Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sept 22: In a move aimed at benefiting passengers, Indian Railways has announced a reduction in the price of its packaged drinking water brand Rail Neer, following a recent cut in GST rates.

The revised prices see a 1-litre Rail Neer bottle now selling at Rs 14 (down from Rs 15) and a 500 ml bottle at Rs 9 (down from Rs 10). The decision applies across railway stations and trains.

In a circular dated September 20, addressed to all general managers and the CMD of IRCTC, the Railway Board said: “Maximum retail price of packaged drinking water bottle ‘Rail Neer’ shall be revised from Rs 15 to Rs 14 per bottle of one litre and Rs 10 to Rs 9 per bottle of 500 ml capacity.”

The order further clarified that the price revision will also apply to IRCTC/Railways shortlisted packaged drinking water bottles of other brands sold on railway premises or in trains.

“Maximum retail price of IRCTC/Railways shortlisted packaged drinking water bottles of other brands sold in railway premises/trains shall also be revised from Rs 15 to Rs 14 per bottle of one litre and Rs 10 to Rs 9 per bottle of 500 ml capacity,” the Board added.

The revised prices have come into effect from September 22, with instructions issued for strict compliance.

Rail Neer is a signature product of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Launched in 2003, the brand was created to provide safe and affordable drinking water to passengers. The first Rail Neer plant was set up at Nangloi in West Delhi, primarily to cater to premium trains such as the Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express departing from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations.

This price cut comes as a welcome step for railway passengers, particularly in the wake of rising travel costs and the need for reliable drinking water options on board.