‘Operation Thirst’: Indian Railways Cracks Down On Unauthorised Package Drinking Water Vendors, Arrests Over 1300

In a move to ensure health and well-being of its passengers, Indian Railways has cracked down on unauthorised packaged drinking water (PDW) vendors in trains and Indian Railways premises across India.

The exercise, named ‘Operation Thirst’, was carried out on 8 and 9 July by the Railways Police Force (RPF). All Zonal Principal Chief Security Commissioners (PCSC) were involved in the operation and the PCSCs are taking the necessary actions on the illegal vendors.

A total of 1371 persons were arrested during the exercise and were charged under sections 144 and 153 of the Railways Act while realising almost Rs 7 lakh in fines. Four Pantry car managers involved in selling the unauthorised PDW brands were also arrested. Stalls on platforms were also found selling packaged drinking water bottle of such brands.