CAG Audit: E. coli & Poor Amenities at 458 Indian Railway Stations

A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has uncovered significant deficiencies in passenger amenities and sanitation across 458 non-suburban Indian railway stations.

The extensive audit, covering 512 stations, revealed that over 89% failed to provide Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) as mandated by the Railway Board, alongside alarming findings concerning drinking water quality.

Alarming Water Quality Findings

The report highlighted a critical failure in bacteriological analysis, which was not conducted at 59 stations across six zones. This oversight contributed to the detection of harmful bacteria in passenger water supplies.

• E. coli was found in water coolers at 8 stations, including major junctions such as Coimbatore, Palakkad, Hyderabad, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, Lonavala, and Madhupur.
• Platform tap water samples showed the presence of Total coliforms bacteria, including E. coli, at 49 stations during 2022-23 and 56 stations during 2023-24.

These findings underscore a systemic issue with water safety protocols within the railway network, directly impacting millions of passengers.

Widespread Amenity Shortfalls

Beyond water quality, the audit detailed a broad lack of essential facilities, even at high-category NSG-1 stations like CSMT, Howrah, Sealdah, New Delhi, and Mumbai Central.

• Shortfalls in latrines were noted at 201 stations.
• Urinal deficiencies affected 403 stations.
• A staggering 2,035 stations lacked adequate water taps.

These deficiencies encompass basic infrastructure such as sufficient seating, proper sanitation facilities, dustbins, and functional electronic train indicator boards, crucial for passenger convenience.

Unmet Mandates and Recommendations

The CAG report, tabled in Parliament on August 12, referenced its test audit period from 2019-20 to 2023-24. It emphasized that despite comprehensive instructions issued by the Railway Board in April 2018, mandating MEAs at all stations by August 31, 2018, compliance remains poor.

The Comptroller and Auditor General strongly recommended that Indian Railways ensure strict adherence to prescribed protocols for inspecting water supply systems. This includes conducting comprehensive testing of drinking water quality, covering all parameters under the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol, to safeguard public health.