Clay pot water to help railway passengers beat the summer heat

Madurai: With temperatures soaring across southern Tamil Nadu, Madurai railway division has introduced traditional clay pot drinking water facilities at several major stations to help passengers stay hydrated during the summer.
The initiative, which draws on the natural cooling properties of earthen pots, was rolled out at stations including Karaikudi, Palani, Dindigul, Madurai, Manamadurai, and Tirunelveli. Railway officials said the move is part of the division's summer preparedness plan to offer basic passenger amenities in a cost-effective and eco-friendly manner.
However, some passengers at Madurai Junction—one of the busiest terminals in the region—said the facility is either inadequate or missing in certain areas of the station. "I couldn't find drinking water anywhere on the platform apart from the entrance," said S Prakash, a passenger travelling to Dindigul.
Responding to the concern, a senior railway official admitted that demand was high since the introduction of the clay pots. "We've received a positive response from passengers. Due to increased usage, some pots are getting emptied quickly. We are in the process of arranging additional pots at Madurai and other busy stations in the coming days," the official said.