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Key Points

Delhi is rolling out an innovative summer relief program called 'Jal Doots' to help commuters beat the heat at bus stops. Trained volunteers will provide free drinking water to passengers waiting for buses across the city. The initiative is part of a larger Heat Action Plan that includes installing RO water coolers and repurposing old buses into functional kiosks. These strategies aim to prioritize citizen comfort and health during extreme temperatures.

Key Points: Delhi's Jal Doots Plan Cool Water Relief for Summer Commuters

  • Volunteers will distribute water at bus stops during summer
  • DTC to install RO coolers at major depots
  • Defunct buses to be converted into food kiosks
  • Heat Action Plan targets commuter well-being
2 min read

Summer plan: 'Jal Doots' to provide drinking water to commuters at Delhi bus stops

Delhi launches innovative 'Jal Doot' initiative to provide free drinking water at bus stops during extreme heat wave

"Ensuring access to clean drinking water is a fundamental necessity, especially during peak summer months. - Pankaj Kumar Singh, Delhi Health and Transport Minister"

New Delhi, April 25

Volunteers or ‘Jal Doot’ will soon start offering water to commuters waiting for public transport buses at stops, an official said on Friday.

“Jal Doots, to be posted at Bus Queue Shelters (BQS), will be trained personnel providing clean drinking water to passengers waiting for buses, helping to alleviate the effects of extreme heat,” said Delhi Health and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh after reviewing the ‘Delhi Heat Action Plan 2025’.

Also, defunct DTC buses are set to be repurposed into food kiosks. These kiosks will initially be launched at three major terminals — Anand Vihar ISBT, Sarai Kale Khan ISBT, and Kashmere Gate ISBT. Each outlet will include basic amenities like drinking water, cleanliness and hygiene standards, he said.

In the meeting, senior officials from the Transport Department, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), and the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Ltd (DIMTS) were present.

Singh said that to address the challenges posed by extreme weather, DTC will install RO Digital Water Coolers at DTC Depots and Terminals. In the first phase, 10 major depots have been identified for these installations.

“Ensuring access to clean drinking water is a fundamental necessity, especially during peak summer months. By installing RO systems at our depots, we are taking a concrete step to prioritise the well-being of our hardworking staff and daily commuters. This initiative underscores our commitment to building a humane and responsive public transport system,” he said.

As part of the ‘Delhi Heat Action Plan 2025’, DTC will also display posters and distribute pamphlets on the prevention of heat-related ailments at bus stands.

It will ensure the availability of shade/shelters, drinking water at bus stands, said the Minister, adding that dedicated health teams will be deputed at all Delhi Government Hospitals and Health Centres to attend to people suffering from heat-related problems.

The meeting also included a discussion on the revamp of Delhi’s Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs). Both Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan terminals are set to be upgraded into modern multimodal transport hubs, offering seamless connectivity across buses, Metro lines, Railways, and electric vehicles.

The Kashmere Gate ISBT, one of Delhi’s busiest transport nodes, is also slated for a comprehensive redevelopment to boost passenger capacity, streamline movement, and enhance visual aesthetics, he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is such a thoughtful initiative! Delhi summers can be brutal, and having access to clean drinking water while waiting for buses will be a huge relief. Kudos to the government for thinking about commuters' basic needs. 👏
P
Priya M.
I appreciate the effort but hope they maintain hygiene standards properly. Last year's water coolers at some stops were often dirty or non-functional. Maybe include public feedback mechanisms?
A
Amit S.
Converting old buses into food kiosks is brilliant recycling! Hope they serve affordable snacks too. The ISBT upgrades sound promising - finally some focus on public transport infrastructure. 👍
S
Sunita R.
As someone who takes the bus daily, this will be a lifesaver. The heat is unbearable from May-July. Hope they implement this across all major stops, not just depots. Also, more shade structures please!
V
Vikram J.
Good start, but what about smaller bus stops in residential areas? Most people don't just use ISBTs. The plan should be more inclusive of neighborhood stops that lack basic facilities.
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Neha P.
Love the holistic approach - water, shade, AND health information! The Jal Doots should also be trained to recognize early signs of heat stroke. Could save lives during peak summer. ❤️

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