Chennai: Months after water-vending units were introduced in suburban railway stations, passengers are able to find respite from the heat and without having to carry bottles of cold water or shelling out '20 for a litre of water.
The water kiosks sell water and offer the option of refilling containers, all at low prices. The vending machines are functional from 6.30 an to 9.30 pm. Water is sold at Rs 1 to Rs 20, without a container (refilling) and from Rs 2 to Rs 25, with a container, depending on the liters of water bought. L Padmini, who frequently travels to Mambalam, said that she likes the facility as it is available throughout the day and cost-effective as well.
“There are many times when I have found taps and coolers not to be working. Having to shell out Rs 20 to Rs 25 each time for a bottle of water is not feasible daily. The water kiosks provide water for refilling at affordable prices,” she said.
The vendors pay a lease rental fee which will be shared, by IRCTC and Southern Railway, while the cost of water and electricity is borne by the vendor setting up the unit.
“In vending machines, water cans are used instead of groundwater. The machines and water facility are frequently inspected by IRCTC officials,” a vendor at a zero B unit in Guindy said.
