TN to reintroduce bottled water on state-run buses ahead of Pongal

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government will soon bring back the sale of bottled drinking water on state transport corporation buses, four years after the facility was discontinued.

Transport Department officials said tenders have been floated to select suppliers, with the scheme set to be rolled out in phases, starting with State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) services. The SETC operates over 1,080 deluxe and air-conditioned express buses, carrying more than one lakh passengers daily. Many commuters had raised concerns over the lack of affordable and safe drinking water during long journeys.

To address this, passengers will be provided sealed one-litre bottles at a subsidized price of Rs 10. Based on demand, the service will later be extended to other state-run bus corporations.

“The tender process to select suppliers is currently underway, and the scheme will be rolled out in time for the Pongal festival,” a senior official said, adding that the bottled water will be given a brand name once finalized.

The initiative revives a scheme first launched in 2013, when the government introduced ‘Amma’ mineral water at bus stations and on long-distance buses, priced at Rs 10 per litre. The project was well received but came to a halt in 2021 due to technical issues at the Gummidipoondi water plant, the main production unit.

Officials said the reintroduction will not only enhance commuter convenience, especially during longer trips and in hot weather, but also generate additional revenue for transport corporations. The timing of the launch, ahead of the busy Pongal travel season, is expected to ease passenger concerns and boost confidence in government-backed services.