2 weeks ago
CAG report: E. coli in water, only 11% stations have amenities
A big government office called the CAG checks how things are run in India.
It looked at railway stations where people catch trains.
The CAG found that the drinking water at some stations had tiny germs called E. coli that can make people sick.
It also found that most stations do not have all the basic things passengers need, like benches, toilets, fans and clocks.
Only about 11 out of every 100 stations checked had everything they should have.
Many projects to improve stations were delayed, and money set aside for them was not fully used.
People complained more about cleanliness, water and medical help.
The railway minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said the railways will fix the problems.
They plan to add new water filters at about 20,000 places.
The railways will also check water quality more often and share reports with the public.
The CAG report tabled in Parliament on August 12 found E. coli in drinking water samples at stations including Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Only 11% of the 512 inspected stations had all Minimum Essential Amenities, while more than 89% lacked one or more basic facilities.
59% of passenger amenity works were delayed, and funds for customer amenities were underutilised by 36% to 44% over 2019-20 to 2023-24.
Deficiencies persisted despite the Railways spending around Rs 700 crore annually on station sanitation.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed corrective measures, including a 'tank to tap' water filtration system at around 20,000 locations.
- Who
- The Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) conducted the audit; Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded with corrective measures.
- What
- The audit found E. coli in drinking water samples and shortfalls in basic passenger amenities at railway stations.
- Where
- Indian railway stations, including New Delhi, Howrah, Secunderabad, MGR Chennai Central, Ahmedabad and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
- When
- The report was tabled in Parliament on August 12; the audit covered 2019-20 to 2023-24.
- Why
- To assess passenger facilities at stations; deficiencies persisted despite assurances from the Ministry of Railways.
Key facts
- Report
- CAG audit of passenger amenities at railway stations
- Stations inspected
- 512 non-suburban stations (8.66% of more than 5,900)
- Stations with all MEAs
- 54 stations (under 11%) across 13 zones
- E. coli found at
- Coimbatore, Palakkad Junction, Hyderabad, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, Lonavala and Madhupur
- Audit period
- 2019-20 to 2023-24
- Annual sanitation spending
- Around Rs 700 crore
- Funds underutilisation
- 36% to 44% of budget grants for customer amenities
- Corrective action
- 'Tank to tap' water filtration system at around 20,000 locations
Quotes
Comptroller & Auditor General
National auditor
“From now onwards, the water quality at stations will be monitored at the board level. There will be scheduled cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks. Progress and water quality reports will be published periodically to ensure transparency.”
indianexpress.com
“Chemical analysis of drinking water was not conducted by health inspectors at 179 stations in 11 zones and was not carried out as per prescribed periodicity (twice a year) at 77 stations in six zones.”
indianexpress.com









