Company flouts DRM’s plan

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 22

A private concern, engaged by the Railways, has installed potable water vending machines (PWVMs) at the railway station. Out of the proposed six PWVMs only four have been installed so far.

However, sources in the Railways stated that some of these were not installed on the locations approved by the divisional railway manager (DRM) of the Ferozepur division.

On platform No. 1, out of the two approved PWVMs only one has been installed between pole No. 13 and 14. However, as per the plan approved by the DRM one PWVM is to be installed adjacent to staging of foot overbridge towards Jalandhar end and another between pole No. 52 and 53 towards Attari end. On the platform No. 1A, PWVM is yet to be installed between poles one and two.

The fourth and fifth PWVMs are to be installed on island platform No. 2 and 3, at a distance of four metres from the central foot over bridge and between column No. 35 and 36 towards the Attari end.

On the island platform No. 4 and 5, the sixth PWVM is to be installed between steel column No. 32 and 33 towards the Attari end. However, executing officials are not following the approved plan laid down by the DRM, Ferozepur, in a true letter and spirit. “These PWVMs are not being installed at earmarked places,” stated sources.

Each PWVM is fixed with a 250 litre water tank and purifying mechanism. Consumers can dispense water after releasing a coin and pressing a green colour button.

A price list on each PWVM displays two kinds of rate list. One is for those, who bring their own tumbler, and another is for consumers, who also get plastic bottles along with water.

According to water rate list a consumer has to pay Re 1 for 300 ml and Rs 2 in plastic glass, Rs 3 for 500 ml and Rs 5 with plastic bottle, Rs 5 for a litre and Rs 8 along with bottle, Rs 8 for two litre and Rs 12 with bottle, Rs 20 for five litre and Rs 25 with bottle.