Water bottle supply stops in TGSRTC buses, officials blame Iran-Israel conflict

Water bottle supply in TGSRTC buses has been stopped for a week due to disruption in raw materials linked to the Iran-Israel war, causing inconvenience to passengers, even as the Corporation continues to charge for the service

Karimnagar: Supply of water bottles in TGSRTC buses has been stalled for the past one week, causing inconvenience to passengers, especially as temperatures rise. The ongoing war between Iran and Israel is cited as the reason for the disruption in supply, as materials used in manufacturing water bottles have been affected. As a result, the contractor supplying bottles to the Corporation has halted deliveries.

Consequently, there is a shortage of bottles at the corporate office in Hyderabad, from where filled water bottles are distributed to all regions, RTC sources said.

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TGSRTC had introduced the supply of packed drinking water three years ago to attract passengers by offering additional facilities. Water bottles of 500 ml are supplied to passengers in Super Luxury, e-Super Luxury, Rajdhani, Lahari and Garuda Plus AC and non-AC buses under the brand name ‘Ziva’. At present, water is supplied in 967 bus services across the State. On an average, 34,812 bottles are required daily for single trips and 69,624 bottles for double trips. Passengers are charged Rs 10 per bottle, generating around Rs 6.96 lakh per day for the Corporation.

With charges being collected despite the disruption in supply, passengers have questioned the authorities over the lack of service. Speaking to Telangana Today, Karimnagar Regional Manager B Raju said there was an issue at the corporate office. He said the matter had been brought to the notice of higher officials and the problem was expected to be resolved within two to three days.

In the Karimnagar region alone, around 5,000 to 6,000 water bottles are required daily across ten depots.