High Water Costs and Limited Refills Plague Railway Stations, Sparking Consumer Concern!
Drinking water has become a costly commodity, especially at city railway stations. Stalls display prices for refilling bottles or cups of varying quantities, but smaller refills are often unavailable in reality.
Passengers are left with no choice but to either purchase a new 1-litre bottle or refill at a higher cost. According to rate cards, refills are supposed to be available from 300 ml upwards, priced between Rs 2 and Rs 25. However, at most stations, only 1-litre bottles are sold or refilled.
At St Thomas Mount, Guindy, and Chennai Beach stations, sellers confirmed a fixed rate of Rs 10 for a 1-litre bottle, which has not been updated on the board.
Customers like Saravanan P express frustration over the high charges but feel powerless to complain or seek recourse. Consumer activist T Sadagopan emphasizes the need for the railways to take action against contractors overcharging passengers, calling for regular inspections of stations.
The situation highlights the urgent need for authorities to ensure fair pricing and availability of water refills at railway stations.
