Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has initiated immediate corrective measures after a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed the presence of E. coli in water coolers at eight railway stations. The findings raised serious concerns about the standards of passenger amenities and sanitation across several facilities. Vaishnaw’s directives include installing water filtration and monitoring systems at 20,000 railway locations to ensure improved safety.

Details of the CAG Report

The CAG report was based on an audit that reviewed passenger amenities at 512 non-suburban railway stations. The contaminated samples were identified at Coimbatore and Palakkad Junctions in Southern Railway; Hyderabad in South Central Railway; Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, and Lonavala in Central Railway; and Madhupur in Eastern Railway. E. coli serves as an indicator of possible faecal contamination, with some strains known to cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses.

Additional water quality tests conducted on platform taps also indicated worrying results. Tests performed at 49 stations in 2022-23 and 56 stations in 2023-24 showed the presence of total coliform bacteria, including E. coli, raising alarms about the wider implications for public health.

The audit further indicated that a staggering 458 of the 512 stations, which accounts for over 89 per cent, failed to meet the prescribed standards for Minimum Essential Amenities established by the Railway Board in April 2018. Key facilities such as drinking water supply, waiting areas, and sanitation facilities were found to be either lacking or substandard.

Deficiencies in Passenger Amenities

An in-depth analysis conducted on the Passenger Amenities Management System revealed significant shortages across critical amenities. For example, latrines were insufficient at 201 stations, while 403 stations lacked adequate urinals, and drinking water taps were missing at 2,035 locations. Major National Security Guard-1 (NSG-1) stations, which are considered vital hubs, also showed deficiencies in amenities like seating and sanitation.

Central stations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Howrah, and New Delhi failed to meet expected standards. Specific deficiencies recorded included inadequate drinking water taps and insufficient fans and cooling systems at numerous stations. The audit highlighted pressing concerns regarding basic facilities that are essential for passenger comfort and safety.

Indian Railways operates 5,908 non-suburban stations and runs over 7,424 non-suburban passenger trains daily, serving approximately 292.4 crore passengers in the year 2023-24. With such a significant volume of travellers, the identified deficiencies merit urgent attention.

Comprehensive Overhaul of Water Systems

In response to the alarming CAG findings, Minister Vaishnaw convened a review session with senior railway officials to address the issues of drinking water safety. The Ministry announced the introduction of new “tank-to-tap” filtration systems at about 20,000 locations, ensuring better management of water quality.

Plans include the installation of a broader filtration and monitoring system at nearly 20,000 points across the railway network. The initiative aims to replace existing water tanks, implement regular quality testing at source and outlet points, ensure centralised monitoring, and maintain scheduled cleaning of water storage facilities.

Furthermore, the Ministry has committed to publishing periodic reports on water quality and progress, with monitoring to be conducted directly at the Railway Board level. The CAG also advised strict adherence to protocols for inspecting water supply systems and comprehensive testing in line with the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol.

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