Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Parliamentary Panel Seeks Railways’ Answers on Passenger Amenities
A government watchdog found problems at many railway stations.
The problems included poor sanitation and missing basic facilities.
It also found E. coli bacteria in some drinking water.
The report said more than 89% of stations did not have basic passenger amenities.
A parliamentary committee is now asking railway officials for answers.
The committee also wants to know why some projects were delayed.
It wants explanations for why some money meant for passenger facilities was not used.
Officials from Central Railway and Western Railway will discuss the issues in Mumbai on September 23.
The Public Accounts Committee sought written responses from Central Railway and Western Railway.
The request follows an August 13 Comptroller and Auditor General report on railway-station deficiencies.
The report found E. coli bacteria in drinking water at some stations.
More than 89% of stations reportedly lacked basic passenger amenities.
The panel also sought explanations for project delays and underutilisation of passenger-facility budgets.
- Who
- The Public Accounts Committee, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Central Railway, and Western Railway.
- What
- The Public Accounts Committee sought written replies about deficient passenger amenities, sanitation, project delays, and unused budgets.
- When
- The Comptroller and Auditor General report was issued on August 13; an informal discussion is scheduled for September 23.
- Where
- The discussion with officials is scheduled in Mumbai.
- Why
- The committee is responding to audit findings about widespread station deficiencies and the management of passenger-facility projects and budgets.
- Reviewing body
- Public Accounts Committee
- Audit body
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- Report date
- August 13
- Reported water concern
- E. coli bacteria was found in drinking water
- Station amenities
- More than 89% of stations reportedly lacked basic amenities
- Questions requested
- The panel submitted 18 questions to Central Railway and Western Railway
- Next discussion
- An informal discussion with officials is scheduled for September 23 in Mumbai