AI-enabled water dispensers to quench thirst soon at bus terminals & shelters in Delhi
With scorching heat taking a toll on the Capital, the Delhi Transport Department is planning to install Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled smart water dispensers at 16 bus terminals and 25 bus stops on a pilot basis. Touchscreen interface and AI technology to count the number of users are among the highlights of the smart dispensers.
The installation of water coolers and dispensers in public places was also part of the Delhi Heat Action Plan 2025, recently revealed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
'We have decided to install smart water dispensers at about 25 bus stands to provide free water facilities to bus commuters and pedestrians. These dispensers will be equipped with high-tech features such as a 43-inch waterproof, daylight-visible, high-resolution, colour digital display,' said a senior official.
Officials further stated that tenders have been floated, and the dispensers are expected to be installed within a month. The estimated cost for installing dispensers at bus queue shelters is Rs 2.10 crore, and Rs 72 lakh for bus terminals
The water dispensers will also be fitted with an AI camera to count the number of people using the facility. The dispensers have sensor-based dispensing systems, filter status monitoring, and tank level checks. 'Additionally, a cloud-based dashboard will enable real-time data transmission, supported by built-in Wi-Fi/4G connectivity with routers/modems,' the official said.
Each dispenser will measure approximately 4 feet x 4 feet with a height of around 7 feet, a minimum 100 liters per hour (LPH) purification capacity, and 800 liters of combined raw and purified water storage.
'It will also feature an in-built chiller to maintain the water temperature between 15°C and 20°C, and will be weather-resistant to withstand heat, dust, and rain (Delhi conditions)… Our main aim is to ensure that a large number of people, especially those working outdoors, vendors, and others, stay hydrated during Delhi's high temperatures,' the official said.
The dispensers will be refilled twice a day by the contractor awarded the project.
'While water ATMs exist at other locations, they are often poorly maintained or non-functional. To avoid this, the Delhi government plans to ensure a one-year warranty on the new dispensers and will beautify and properly maintain the installation sites,' the official underlined. If the pilot is successful, the programme will be expanded across the city, said officials. A count of the number of people using the facility will help officials get an estimate to expand the project across the city.
Last week, Transport Minister Pankaj Singh reviewed the Delhi Heat Action Plan 2025 for the public transport system, announcing plans to deploy 'Jal Doots'—trained personnel who will provide clean drinking water to passengers at bus depots and shelters.
'These trained personnel will offer clean drinking water to passengers waiting for buses, helping to alleviate the effects of extreme heat. With the onset of summer, it is our responsibility to ensure passengers have access to clean drinking water at bus depots and shelters. 'Jal Doots' will serve as a vital link in delivering this support,' Singh said, adding that 10 major locations have been identified.
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