Only 25 percent water promised by CM from Jolarpet reaches city

Only 2.5mld was being received daily from Vellore since July 12 when the first water special was operated to the city. Southern Railway (SR), which claimed to double the capacity a few days after the commencement of the maiden water trip, has only been making one trip daily during the last 10 days.

The much expected second 50-wagon BTPN (bogie tank wagon) rake form Kota has yet to reach the city. Senior railway sources confirmed the operation of a lone 50-wagon train once till Monday. An officer told  DT Next, “We have only been operating one rake once till today. The second rake will reach tomorrow (Tuesday). We will be able to make two trips after engaging the second rake.”

The officer said they would be able to make the third trip if they push it further, which would put the total water quantum transported by train from Jolarpet to Villivakkam at 7.5mld, still 25% short of the volume desired by TN Water and Drainage Board, which claimed that it would up it to 11mld to ease distribution in the city.