Issues Identified by the CAG

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted significant concerns regarding drinking water quality and overall passenger amenities at Indian railway stations.

Drinking Water Quality

• The presence of total coliform bacteria, including E. coli, was detected in water samples from taps at eight railway stations: Coimbatore, Palakkad, Hyderabad, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, Lonavala, and Madhupur.
• This contamination indicates potential sewage or fecal contamination of water sources.
• An audit revealed a failure to conduct regular inspections and tests for residual chlorine and bacteriological and chemical analysis.

Deficiencies in Passenger Amenities

• Out of 512 stations inspected, 458 (over 89%) showed deficiencies in Minimum Essential Amenities (MEAs), such as drinking water, seating, toilets, platform shelters, fans, and signage.
• Significant shortfalls were identified even at larger stations with high revenue and footfall.

Sanitation and Maintenance

• Sanitation infrastructure was lacking, with issues like non-functional toilets, inadequate facilities, and unauthorized entry points.
• A review of 395 passenger amenity projects from 2019-20 to 2023-24 found that 59% were delayed, with completion delays ranging from one to over four years.

Corrective Measures by the Railways

In response to the CAG's findings, the Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has initiated several corrective actions:

• Implementation of a new 'tank to tap' water filtration system at approximately 20,000 locations, including water coolers.
• Regular water quality testing at source and outlet points will be conducted.
• Water quality will be monitored at the board level with scheduled cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks.
• Periodic publication of progress and water quality reports to promote transparency.

Passenger Grievances

• There has been an increase in complaints regarding cleanliness, water availability, medical assistance, and electrical facilities.
• High passenger dissatisfaction with the resolution of complaints was noted despite high expenditure on cleaning activities.