Chennai, Sep 24 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu government is gearing up to relaunch the sale of bottled drinking water on its transport corporation buses, a service that was halted four years ago.

Officials have announced that tenders have already been issued to find suppliers, and the implementation of this scheme will occur in phases.

The Transport Department revealed that the initiative will first be rolled out on State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) services, which manage over 1,080 deluxe and air-conditioned express buses statewide. These long-distance services cater to more than one lakh passengers daily, many of whom have raised concerns regarding the absence of safe and affordable drinking water while traveling.

In response, the department has decided to offer sealed one-litre bottles of drinking water at a subsidized price of Rs 10. Initially, this facility will be available on SETC services, with plans to extend it to other state-run transport corporations based on passenger demand.

“The tender process to select suppliers is currently ongoing, and we aim to launch the scheme in time for the Pongal festival,” stated a senior transport official.

The government is also anticipated to unveil a brand name for the bottled water once the project is finalized.

This move signifies the revival of a previous initiative that was well-received by passengers. In 2013, the then-state government introduced ‘Amma’ mineral water, sold at bus stations and on long-distance buses for Rs 10 per litre. This scheme gained widespread acceptance for its provision of hygienic and affordable bottled water to commuters. However, it was discontinued in 2021 due to technical issues at the Gummidipoondi water plant, the primary production unit.

With increasing temperatures, extended travel times, and rising passenger demand for safe drinking water, officials believe that the reintroduction of bottled water sales will enhance the quality of service on government-operated buses.

Moreover, the project is expected to generate additional revenue for transport corporations while bolstering public confidence in government-supported initiatives.

The re-launch ahead of Pongal, a peak travel season in Tamil Nadu, is viewed as a strategic measure to improve commuter convenience during the festive rush.