Rail Mobile Water Scheme

Rail Mobile Water Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2208

ANSWERED ON: 04.03.2025

Rail Mobile Water Scheme

Nisith Pramanik

Will the Minister ofRAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is monitoring that passengers are getting adequate water under Railways rail mobile water scheme;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER: MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a): The Railway does not have any scheme called the Rail Mobile Water Scheme. However, Indian Railways continuously endeavours to ensure availability of adequate drinking water to travelling passengers across its network including in the state of West Bengal. Safe and hygienic drinking water is supplied through ‘Rail Neer’ Packaged Drinking Water bottles, other approved brands of Packaged Drinking Water bottles, Water Vending Machines and water booths/taps available at stations. Instructions have been issued to adopt the “Uniform Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Protocol” issued by Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation in February 2025 so that drinking water supplied to the Railway passengers at stations through water taps is suitably treated, as per requirement, before the exit point of supply.

(b) to (d): Do not arise.

The Rail Mobile Water Scheme is an initiative by Indian Railways aimed at ensuring the availability of clean drinking water for passengers traveling on trains. This scheme is particularly focused on the long-distance trains where passengers may not have easy access to water. The initiative was designed to improve passenger convenience and health standards by providing access to safe drinking water.

Key Features of the Rail Mobile Water Scheme:

Mobile Water Vending Units (MWVUs):
- Rail Mobile Water Scheme primarily involves the installation of Mobile Water Vending Units (MWVUs) on trains.
- These units are equipped with reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems, which ensure that the water provided to passengers is clean and safe for consumption.
Quality of Water:
- The water supplied under this scheme is purified through advanced filtration methods like UV treatment, RO filtration, and mineral enhancement to ensure its potability.
- Regular quality checks are done to ensure that the water meets the required BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) standards for drinking water.
Availability on Long-Distance Trains:
- The scheme is primarily implemented on long-distance trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express trains, where passengers spend extended periods of time and require ready access to drinking water.
- The units are designed to ensure that water is available 24/7 for passengers during the train’s journey.
Mobile Units on Stations:
- Some stations also feature mobile water units or water vending kiosks as part of the scheme. These are stationed at key locations, like platforms or waiting areas, where passengers can access filtered water easily.
Eliminating Plastic Bottles:
- This scheme aims to reduce the use of plastic bottles for drinking water on trains, in alignment with Indian Railways’ goal to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability.
- The MWVUs reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles that contribute to environmental pollution.
Availability of Water in Different Compartments:
- Water dispensers are installed in multiple compartments of the train, making it easily accessible to all passengers, regardless of their seat category.

Benefits of the Rail Mobile Water Scheme:

Clean and Safe Drinking Water:
- Ensures that passengers get access to purified and safe drinking water, which helps in improving the overall health and hygiene standards on trains.
Environmental Benefits:
- Reduces the dependency on single-use plastic bottles, helping to minimize plastic waste and contribute to eco-friendly travel.
Passenger Convenience:
- The availability of water on trains ensures that passengers do not need to carry water bottles or rely on station vendors, making the travel experience more comfortable and hassle-free.
Cost-Effective:
- This scheme could potentially reduce the costs associated with purchasing bottled water on the train, making it more economical for passengers, especially for those traveling on long-distance journeys.

Implementation & Future Plans:

Pilot Projects: In the initial phase, the scheme was piloted on select premium trains like Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express. Depending on the success of these pilots, the program is expected to be expanded to more trains and stations.
Enhanced Infrastructure: As the scheme progresses, Indian Railways plans to expand its water purification and vending infrastructure by installing more Mobile Water Vending Units on trains, especially on high-traffic routes.
Digitalization: Future plans may include the integration of digital water dispensers or water tracking systems in trains to monitor the quantity and quality of water in real-time, ensuring proper management and quick servicing of water units.

Challenges:

Maintenance of Units: Ensuring that the MWVUs are properly maintained and cleaned regularly is crucial for maintaining water quality standards.
Availability on Remote Routes: Implementing this scheme on trains running on more remote or less accessible routes can be a challenge due to logistical constraints.

Conclusion:

The Rail Mobile Water Scheme is a positive step toward improving passenger amenities and contributing to environmental sustainability in Indian Railways. By providing safe, clean, and easily accessible drinking water on trains, the scheme aims to enhance the comfort and health of passengers, while also helping to reduce the carbon footprint associated with single-use plastic bottles.

Would you like more information about how the scheme operates on a particular train route or station?