The benefits of GST reforms are set to kick in soon, as Indian Railways announced that from 22nd September, bottled drinking water on trains, Rail Neer, will become cheaper following the recent GST rate cuts. This change is expected to make travel more affordable and convenient for passengers. Let’s take a closer look at the new prices.
Rail Neer and other bottled prices to drop as GST reforms take effect
The next-generation GST reforms are set to come into effect from 22nd September 2025, simplifying tax slabs and reducing rates on several essential products. One of the first steps to pass on the benefit of these reforms to consumers is being taken by Indian Railways, which has announced a reduction in the prices of bottled drinking water available on trains.
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According to a circular issued by the Railway Board, the maximum retail price of Rail Neer will drop from Rs 15 to Rs 14 for a 1-litre bottle, while a 500 ml bottle will now be sold for Rs 9 instead of Rs 10. This move ensures that the GST benefits reach passengers directly and immediately.
The revised prices will also apply to other selected packaged drinking water brands sold at railway stations and on trains nationwide. The circular instructed that all necessary steps should be taken to implement these new rates from 22nd September itself.
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The English translation of this update by the Ministry on X read,
“In order to directly pass on the benefit of the reduced GST to consumers, it has been decided to reduce the maximum selling price of Rail Neer from Rs 15 to Rs 14 for 1 liter and from Rs 10 to Rs 9 for half a liter. @IRCTCofficial #NextGenGST”
Have a look at the whole tweet
GST कम किये जाने का सीधा लाभ उपभोक्ताओं को पहुंचाने के उद्देश्य से रेल नीर का अधिकतम बिक्री मूल्य 1 लीटर के लिए ₹15 से कम करके 14 रुपए और आधा लीटर के लिए ₹10 से कम करके ₹9 करने का निर्णय लिया गया है। @IRCTCofficial #NextGenGST pic.twitter.com/GcMV8NQRrm
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 20, 2025
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Here is how netizens reacted to the tweet made by Ministry of Railways
Soon after the announcement, netizens flooded the comment section with their reactions. Many pointed out that the price cut might not really benefit passengers, as Rail Neer bottles are rarely sold now and most bottled water on trains comes from private companies, often priced higher. Some users added a humorous touch, joking to lighten the mood, while others noted that no bottle is priced at Rs 15 anymore, with most vendors charging around Rs 20.
Here’s a look at some reactions that are worth checking out.
But on railway stations and in train we can’t find rail neers bottle,
As no option left we need to take local filled water plant from nearby area at platforms &in train
Recently in Last journey travel @RailMinIndia @Central_Railway @IRCTCofficial @eCateringIRCTC @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/v2siEqe0Al— yash m padlamwar (@yashump29) September 20, 2025
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This is utter nonsense and would breed corruption.
My experience is, the shop keepers and
Vendors donot sell Neer water below
Rs. 20, staying they have no change to
pay back.Now odd amount of Rs. 14 would help
them earn an extra rupee and NO benefit
would pass on to consumer.— NK Gupta *️⃣ (@nkgupta_in) September 20, 2025
Paani ki bikri se yaad aaya , isme se aap ek bhi rail neer ki paani ki bottle dikha do, paani private company se lekr station pe bechte hain, aur agar paani derhe hai toh garmi me pani thndha nhi dete jaan bujh ke , haan ji jaan bujh ke , chahe banaras ho ya kanpur. pic.twitter.com/heQu7e4eCM
— JITENDRA CHAURASIA ( Sanatan ) (@jc_8080_) September 20, 2025
Meanwhile Modi ji to Indians pic.twitter.com/4APxVHwnqH
— Y | سموكي (@smokymist_) September 20, 2025
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YouTube vloggers jinka content ka prabandh ho gaya :- pic.twitter.com/2p66ghZsfj
— Ankit (@imoriginalankit) September 20, 2025
Kha 15 lete hai sab 20 rs already lete hai train me bhi
— pradeep maurya (@Pradeepmaurya78) September 20, 2025
Stop this joke. You think customers in trains will get Rs 1 back from pantry staff? No! Staff will keep it. Customers won’t bother to fight complain for Rs 1. You need ensure approved brands are sold without duplicates & overcharging. @PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw
— Shakti Kapoor #Ex-Secular #TeamSP (@ComedyVikas) September 20, 2025
Its very good that you are trying to pass the benefit to consumers. But try to understand the practical problem which is facing by Cash customers. Currently Rs. 5 Change is not being given to consumers and now Rs. 6 change is to be given by vendor which is next to impossible.
— Dharmendra Kumawat (@Mr_DKumawat) September 20, 2025
Bolte huie sharam tak ni aa rhi. Kitna bewkuf bnaoge public ko. 15 ki bottle aj tak kabhi ni dekhi train me. 14 ki bottle me kiska fayda hai. Jab ham already 20rs de rhe hai. Puchne pe ulta ladai ho jati hai.
— Anand Sagar (@AnandSa81) September 20, 2025
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Masterstroke , pahle 15 wali 20 me thi ab 14 wali 20 me ho gai…..
— Faizan Siddiqui (@MFKSIDDIQUI1) September 20, 2025
Recent GST reforms
The recent GST reforms aim to simplify India’s tax structure and make it easier for both businesses and consumers. The number of GST slabs has been reduced from four to three main categories: 5% for essentials, 18% for most goods and services, and 40% for luxury and sin goods. Essentials like packaged snacks, ghee, chocolates, coffee, agricultural products, and medical equipment fall under the 5% slab, while the 18% slab covers consumer goods, electronics, and automobiles for middle-class aspirations.
The 40% slab is reserved for luxury and sin items, including tobacco, pan masala, cigarettes, bidis, aerated sugary beverages, and high-end vehicles like luxury motorcycles and helicopters. These reforms are intended not only to simplify taxation but also to encourage industries to pass on the benefits to consumers, boosting domestic demand. Brands such as Amul, HUL, L’Oréal, and Himalaya have already adjusted prices accordingly. Overall, the GST reform makes goods more affordable, strengthens economic demand, and builds a clearer, more transparent tax system.
What are your thoughts on these latest pricing of bottled water by Ministry of Railways? Do share via the comments below.
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