CHENNAI: Passengers traveling on long-distance buses operated by the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) can now purchase purified drinking water for ₹10, following the launch of the Transport Department’s new ‘Payani’ brand.
The initiative was inaugurated on Thursday by Tamil Nadu Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).
The scheme aims to ensure that passengers traveling on long-distance routes have access to purified drinking water at an affordable price throughout their journey.
‘Payani’ Revives ₹10 Drinking Water Initiative
The launch of Payani effectively revives the popular ‘Amma Kudineer’ initiative, which was introduced by the then AIADMK government led by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in 2012.
Under the earlier scheme, passengers could purchase a one-liter bottle of drinking water for ₹10.
However, the Amma Kudineer initiative was discontinued in 2021 after the reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant at Gummidipoondi became inoperative.
The plant reportedly faced operational difficulties amid declining groundwater levels, preventing the government from continuing the water-bottling program.
Several efforts to revive the popular initiative subsequently did not materialize.
The new Payani brand is intended to provide passengers with an affordable and convenient drinking-water option, particularly during long-distance bus journeys.
Compassionate Appointments Given to 17 Families
During the event, Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban also handed over compassionate appointment orders to the legal heirs of 17 transport corporation employees who died while in service.
Of the total appointments, 16 were provided to family members of deceased MTC employees, while one appointment was issued under SETC.
The appointments are intended to provide employment support to the families of employees who died during their service.
Four Employees Honored for Helping Passengers
The minister also recognized four transport corporation employees for their humanitarian response during passenger medical emergencies.
The employees were honored for assisting passengers who experienced medical problems while traveling.
As a gesture of appreciation, the minister presented ₹5,000 from his personal salary to each of the four employees.
Senior Transport Officials Attend Event
The launch event was attended by several senior officials from Tamil Nadu’s transport sector.
Those present included Transport Secretary L. Nirmal Raj, MTC Managing Director T. Mohan, SETC Managing Director K. Gunasekaran, and MTC Joint Managing Director Rama Sundarapandian, along with other senior officials.
The launch of Payani is expected to benefit passengers using SETC’s long-distance services by providing access to affordable purified drinking water while traveling across Tamil Nadu and on extended bus routes.
