The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has identified significant water quality violations after detecting E. coli bacteria in drinking water samples at eight railway stations. The audit, which examined passenger amenities, revealed that water coolers at stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad failed to meet safety standards. Further testing across multiple zones in 2022-24 showed persistent issues with coliform bacteria and inadequate bacteriological analysis.
The report highlights systemic failures in maintaining water quality, noting that mandatory chemical and bacteriological tests were frequently skipped or conducted less often than required by the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol. Health inspectors failed to perform chemical testing at 179 stations, while 77 others did not meet the biannual testing frequency mandate. These lapses have raised serious concerns regarding passenger safety and the effectiveness of current sanitation oversight.
In response to the findings, the Ministry of Railways stated in September 2025 that corrective actions have been initiated to address testing deficiencies. However, the CAG emphasized that the recurring nature of these unsatisfactory results necessitates a more robust system for ensuring safe drinking water. The auditor has recommended that Indian Railways strictly adhere to established inspection protocols and conduct comprehensive testing across all required parameters.
