Inoperative Water Vending Machine At Mulund Station Re-started!

During the summer season, with the scorching summer heat at its peak, the only saving grace is water! However, surprisingly, with the scorching heat already making life miserable for Mulundkars, Home Times, in its investigation, found the water vending machine at Mulund station lying non-functional!! As a result, several commuters at Mulund station faced much inconvenience. Hence, annoyed commuters called Home Times and pleaded to get the water vending machine functional.

Soon, Home Times team reached Mulund station and carried a reality check. We also met commuters and heard their grievances. Commuters at Mulund station were dejected and angry with the railway administration for failing to keep the water vending machine functional. Dhanraj Tawde, a Dombivali resident, said, “We are facing much problems due to the closure of the water vending machine because the water we carry in our water bottles is not cold. Secondly, this machine provides cold and purified water at an economical price.”

Jitendra Kumar Nishad, another commuter, said, “I regularly travel to Mulund. During summer, purified drinking water is the need of every passenger, because due to the excessive rush and heat in the local train compartments, passengers generally hunt for water after getting down at a station. A sip of cold water is most refreshing. Due to the absence of the water vending machine, I had to buy a mineral water bottle with a heavy heart. After Home Times’ initiative, when the Railways re-started the water vending machine, it was appreciated by every railway commuter. I was so delighted that I had filled my bottle the same day.”

After heeding the public outcry, Home Times spoke to the concerned Railway authorities and urged them to start the water vending machine at the earliest. Home Times even telecast the news in its Home Times TV News Channel. The news created a flutter in the Railway administration and within 24 hours of the Home Times TV news telecast, the Railway authorities repaired the water vending machine and started its service for commuters!!! The commuters heaved a sigh of relief and thanked Home Times for its quick action to help people!

When Home Times enquired with Mulund Station Master, G.D. Baranwal, about the reason behind the closing of the water vending machine, he said, “A few days back, some passengers had complained that water from the water vending machine was contaminated and was discharging a foul smell. Hence, we stopped the water vending machine and sent a sample of water for testing.”

What is shocking is that when Home Times investigated Mr. Baranwal’s claim of the water tasting foul, we found the water sample was really sent for testing, but the report clearly mentioned the water was pure and fit for drinking!! However, despite the test report giving clearance, the water vending machine was not started! Interestingly, when Home Times exposed the matter, the railway administration re-started the machine.

It may be noted that, daily, approximately 40 to 50 litres of water are sold from Mulund’s water vending machine and it is widely popular amongst passengers.