SR despatches trains carrying drinking water to Kerala

Southern Railway today despatched three special trains carrying water to rain-ravaged Kerala where drinking water supply has been hit in some parts after functioning of pumping stations was disrupted in heavy rains.

Over one lakh water bottles would also be sent through other trains bound for the state, a railways release said.

A special train with seven-open wagons (BRN) containing tanks full of drinking water started from Erode Junction at 4pm today,it said.

The train, bound for Thiruvanathapuram, will run through Dindigul, Madurai and Tirunelveli.

Similarly, a seven-wagon train carrying 2.8 lakh litres of water and a 15-wagon special also commenced its journey to the neighbouring state, it said.

Kerala Water Authority officials have said high turbidity in the Periyar river had hit pumping and distribution of drinking water supply at several places including Aluva, Eloor and Kalamassery.

The rain fury has claimed 173 lives since August 8, and dealt a body blow to the scenic state, wrecking its tourism industry, destroying standing crops in thousands of hectares and inflicting huge damage toinfrastructure.