- According to the Ministry of Railway, during peak summer season there is heavy demand of drinking water. Due to closure of schools & festive/marriage season, the number of passenger travelling by railways also increases and so the demand of drinking water.
- To curb the menace of unauthorized PDW (PACKAGED DRINKING WATER) in Railway premises, an all India drive named “Operation Thirst” was launched on 08th & 09th July 2019 on the direction of DG/RPF, Railway Board, New Delhi where all the Zonal Principal Chief Security Commissioners (PCSC) were asked to crackdown these unauthorised activities. Almost all major stations over Indian Railway were covered during this operation.
- During the drive, 1371 persons were arrested for selling of packaged drinking water of unauthorised brands under different sections i.e. 144 & 153 of Rly. Act. Total 69294 bottles of PDW have been seized. Total fine amount of Rs. 6,80,855/- have been realized from these offenders. 4 Pantry car managers involved in selling of the same were also arrested. Stalls on platforms were also found selling packaged drinking water bottle of brands which are not authorised by Railways.
- Further enquiry into these cases are being made to reach the origin of this activity and those found involved will be taken up accordingly. The special drive will be followed by continuous action by concerned PCSCs on this issue.
