Chennai: Hygiene major issue with railway water vending machines

Chennai: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) had installed water vending machines (WVM) last year in about 20 suburban stations across the city, including most of the stations from Chennai Beach to Tambaram, as most of the water taps at stations were either non-functional or in unhygienic condition.

However, it appears the personnel at these vending machines are failing to realise their very purpose. Passengers rue the fact that these vendors are reusing the same bottles that a few people return without even washing them. Previously, water used to be given in glasses to those not having bottles. But, it soon changed as miscreants began to steal the glasses at night.

"The kiosk staffers are not properly trained in hygienic measures as they give bottles instead of glasses to a few vegetable vendors or beggars nearby who drink it by putting the mouth of the bottle to their lips and the IRCTC staff then reuse the same bottle .This can have adverse health effects," a rail user said.

Refilled water bottles are priced at Rs 1 for 300ml, Rs 5 for one litre and Rs 20 for five litres which is quite cheap compared to the packaged drinking water sold by government. However, witnessing the unhygienic handling, passengers are seen opting for 'Rail Neer' instead of WVMs.

When asked about it, one of the IRCTC staff accepted that they use single bottles to give water to those who do not have bottles and this is being done voluntarily by each staff member out of "generosity". A senior IRCTC official said he would take the issue into consideration and sensitise the staff on hygiene.