New Delhi, December 12: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism (IRCTC) issued an order doubling the sale price of 300ml of water dispensed through the Water Vending Machines (WVMs). The price has been increased from Re 1 to Rs 2 for drawing unpacked water. On the other hand, price with container has been increased from Rs 2 at present to Rs 3.

The prices of all other quantity of water, however, remains unchanged, the circular mentions. Notably, 500ml of water is sold at Rs 3, 1 litre at Rs 5, 2 litres at Rs 8 and 5 litres of Rs 20. Grab a Pizza Before Boarding Train! Mumbai Central Station Install Vending Machines That Serve Pizza, Fries & More.

Here is what the IRCTC circular states:

The order further states that licensing fee may increase due to the revision in prices. To address the impact of revision of existing contracts, the Railways will take steps as necessitated.

Notably, the prices on consumer products levied by the IRCTC is way lower than what their private competitors charge. The pricing module is based on the welfare principle -- ie. the motto is to recover operational costs and not to maximise profits.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2018 03:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).