Indian Railways has issued a firm reminder to all vendors and catering staff regarding the mandatory pricing policy for packaged drinking water sold across its network. To ensure passenger convenience and prevent unfair trade practices, the national transporter has reiterated that all approved brands must be sold strictly at the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). This directive applies to both IRCTC’s own ‘Rail Neer’ brand and other pre-approved water brands, with strict penalties in place for any vendor found overcharging passengers.
- Fixed MRP: ₹14 for a 1-liter bottle and ₹9 for a 500 ml bottle.
- Approved Brands: Rail Neer, Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina, and Bailley.
- Policy Enforcement: Vendors can only sell alternative brands if Rail Neer is unavailable.
- Report Overcharging: Passengers should call the official Railway Helpline at 139.
- Penalties: Vendors face fines of up to ₹25,000 for violating price regulations.
Strict Pricing Standards for Passenger Convenience
Effective September 22, 2025, the Indian Railways and IRCTC have standardized the pricing structure for drinking water to protect passengers from arbitrary price hikes. Whether you are buying a bottle of Rail Neer or other IRCTC-shortlisted brands like Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina, or Bailley, the cost remains fixed at ₹14 for a 1-liter bottle and ₹9 for a 500 ml bottle.
While ‘Rail Neer’ remains the primary choice for onboard sales, the Railway Board has clarified that vendors are permitted to stock other approved brands only if the IRCTC-produced water is not available. However, the secondary brands must also be sold at the same government-mandated price. Charging anything above this MRP is a direct violation of railway policy.
How to Report Overcharging Incidents
The Ministry of Railways has adopted a zero-tolerance approach toward overcharging. To curb this, they have empowered passengers to act as whistleblowers. If any vendor or catering staff member demands more than the fixed MRP, passengers are urged to immediately report the incident by calling the Railway Helpline number 139.
The authorities have warned that any vendor found guilty of violating these pricing norms will face stringent penalties of up to ₹25,000. This move is part of a broader commitment by Indian Railways to streamline passenger amenities and ensure that basic necessities remain affordable and accessible during train journeys.