E coli in water, missing toilets and dustbins: CAG flags shocking lack of basics at Railway stations

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit has raised concerns over basic passenger facilities at railway stations across India, with drinking water quality emerging as one of the key issues.

The audit found traces of Total coliforms, including E coli, in drinking water samples collected from taps at several stations. The findings were part of a review covering passenger services at 512 non-suburban grade (NSG) stations across different railway zones.

E coli found in drinking water samples

According to the report, drinking water samples collected from water coolers at several stations tested positive for E coli. These included Coimbatore and Palakkad in Southern Railway, Hyderabad in South Central Railway, four stations in Central Railway — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan and Lonavala — and Madhupur in Eastern Railway.

“Test results of drinking water samples collected from taps in platforms at 49 stations in eight zones during 2022-23 and 56 stations in 9 zones during 2023-24 indicated presence of Total coliforms bacteria (including E-coli),” the report stated, news agency PTI reported.

Some strains of E coli can cause food poisoning and diarrhoea and may also lead to kidney failure.

90% stations fall short on essential facilities

The audit also found that 458 of the 512 stations examined, or nearly 90 per cent, did not have all the Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) prescribed by the Railway Board.

The Railway Board had issued instructions in April 2018 requiring MEAs to be provided at stations across NSG-1 to NSG-6 categories by August 31 that year.

“RB's instructions (April 2018) mandated that MEAs be provided first at all stations, irrespective of category. These include drinking water, waiting halls, seating arrangements, platform shelters, urinals, latrines, high-level platforms, fans, Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), dustbins, clocks and public address systems,” the CAG noted.

Even top-category stations have gaps

The audit found shortcomings even at some of the country's busiest NSG-1 stations. Mumbai Central, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Howrah, Sealdah and New Delhi were among stations where deficiencies were reported.

The gaps included seating arrangements, sanitary facilities, dustbins and electronic indicator boards, despite these stations being classified among the highest category based on passenger traffic and earnings.

CAG seeks stricter water quality checks

The CAG has recommended stronger monitoring of drinking water facilities at railway stations.

Among its recommendations, the auditor asked authorities to “ensure compliance with prescribed protocols for inspection of water supply systems and comprehensive testing of drinking water quality, including all parameters under the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol”.

The findings highlight gaps in the implementation of basic passenger amenities that were to be made available across railway stations under the Railway Board's 2018 guidelines.