Karimnagar: The supply of water bottles on TGSRTC buses has been halted for the past week, causing significant inconvenience to passengers—particularly at a time when temperatures are on the rise. This disruption in supply is attributed to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which has impacted the raw materials used in the manufacturing of these water bottles. Consequently, the contractor responsible for supplying the bottles to the corporation has suspended deliveries.
According to RTC sources, this has resulted in a shortage of bottles at the corporation’s headquarters in Hyderabad, from where filled water bottles are typically distributed to all operational depots across the region.
TGSRTC had introduced the supply of packaged drinking water three years ago as a measure to attract passengers by offering enhanced amenities. Passengers traveling on Super Luxury, E-Super Luxury, Rajdhani, Lahari, and Garuda Plus (both AC and non-AC) buses are provided with 500 ml water bottles under the brand name ‘Ziva’. Currently, this water supply service covers 967 bus routes across the entire state. On average, 34,812 bottles are required daily for one-way journeys, amounting to a total daily requirement of 69,624 bottles for round trips. Passengers are charged ₹10 per bottle, generating a daily revenue of approximately ₹6.96 lakh for the corporation.
Given that charges are still being collected despite the disruption in supply, passengers have raised questions with officials regarding the lapse in service. Speaking to Telangana Today, B. Raju, the Regional Manager for Karimnagar, explained that an issue had arisen at the corporation’s headquarters. He stated that the matter has been brought to the attention of senior officials, and it is expected that the problem will be resolved within two to three days. In the Karimnagar region alone, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 water bottles are required daily across ten depots.
