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New Delhi: With a view to further improving the availability of potable drinking water for passengers, railways ministry has formulated a comprehensive uniform policy for installation of Water Vending Machines (WVMs) at railway stations across the country. The objective of this policy is to lay down guidelines to make potable drinking water available through Water Vending Machines (WVMs) at railway stations.
Under this policy, installation of WVMs have been started and already 346 Water Vending Machines have been provided at stations. In addition to this, eight stations viz. Bhopal, Dwarka, Gadag, Guwahati, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Madurai, Patna and Tirupati stations have been identified for provision of Reverse Osmosis ( RO) drinking water units under a different scheme on experimental basis, according to a PIB release.
The installation of WVMs is being handled by Railway PSU, Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). WVMs are being installed only by reputed manufacturers or their franchisee holders or authorised agents. The WVMs are having multiple dispensing tapes to facilitate maximum passengers to avail the facility simultaneously. Priority is being accorded to provide WVMs at locations where General Coaches can have easy access, said the PIB release.
Pure water is being dispensed through these highly mechanized machines for the passengers at an affordable price. Water dispensed through the vending machine is required to conform to BIS specifications IS 10500-2012(specification for drinking water) test requirement within desirable limit. The water supplied through these machines is being frequently checked (at least once a month) through suitable device by the Health Inspector/ Medical Personnel. Water Vending Machines are using Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology or alternate superior technology. The cost and quantity of water dispensed are being displayed in a LED display so that amount is verifiable by the customer.
The companies installing Water Vending Machines are required to provide adequate number of eco-friendly disposable tumblers of approved quality and design and water bottles of PET. The companies providing machines are also to provide adequate number of dustbins of standard design with each machine.
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