Passengers at Bhopal Railway Station are facing a tough time as 12 water vending machines have been out of service for the past five months. These machines were meant to provide cheap and clean RO water to travelers. Since they stopped working, people have no choice but to buy expensive bottled water from the platform shops. This has become a major concern for those traveling on a budget.
Why are these water vending machines not operational?
The machines were shut down after the contractor in charge of them applied for closure and stopped operations. This problem is not limited to just one station, as many water vending machines across the country are facing similar issues due to expired contracts or pending bills. Railway officials have stated that they are aware of the situation and are working to bring in new machines under a fresh contract. For now, the old machines remain locked and unused.
Price difference between vending machines and bottled water
The biggest problem for passengers is the cost of drinking water. While the vending machines provided 1 liter of chilled water for only 5 rupees, the bottled water sold at stalls costs much more. Many passengers find it difficult to pay triple the price, especially when traveling with children or in large groups. Here is a look at the price gap between the two options.
| Quantity | Machine Price (₹) | Stall Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 ml | 2 | 10 |
| 1 Liter | 5 | 15 to 20 |
| 2 Liters | 8 | 30 |
| 5 Liters | 25 | 60 to 70 |
The railway board is considering new policies to revive these machines and make them functional again. Until then, travelers are left waiting for a solution that provides affordable drinking water at the station. Officials have mentioned that the process for new tenders will start soon to resolve this issue for the public.