Chennai: In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu government is preparing to reintroduce the sale of bottled drinking water on its transport corporation buses.

The Transport Department has announced that the initiative will initially be introduced on State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) services.

The government had discontinued the initiative four years ago, but now plans to revive it in phases. Authorities have already floated tenders to identify suppliers for the scheme’s relaunch.

SETC operates over 1,080 deluxe and air-conditioned express buses across the state, carrying more than one lakh passengers daily. Many travelers have expressed concerns about the lack of safe and affordable drinking water during their journeys.

The department will provide sealed one-litre bottles of drinking water at a subsidised price of Rs 10. The facility will start with SETC services and, depending on passenger demand, may later be extended to other state-run transport corporations.

“The tender process to select suppliers is currently underway, and the scheme will be rolled out in time for the Pongal festival,” a senior transport official said.

The government is also expected to announce a brand name for the bottled water once the project is finalised.

The move marks the revival of an earlier initiative that was popular with passengers. In 2013, the then state government introduced ‘Amma’ mineral water, which was sold at bus stations and on long-distance buses at Rs 10 per litre. The scheme won wide acceptance for providing hygienic and affordable bottled water to commuters. However, it came to a halt in 2021 following technical problems at the Gummidipoondi water plant, which served as the main production unit.

The project is also expected to generate additional revenue for the transport corporations while reinforcing public trust in government-backed initiatives.