Railway Stations to Get Improved Drinking Water Facilities at 20,000 Locations Across India

The Indian Railways has decided to implement a major drinking water improvement programme at around 20,000 locations across the country following concerns over bacterial contamination found in drinking water provided at railway stations.

The move follows a Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report, which reportedly found the presence of E. coli bacteria in samples of free drinking water supplied through water coolers at several railway stations.

New ‘Tank to Tap’ Water Treatment System

Following the findings, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held a review meeting with the Railway Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and other senior officials on August 16.

As part of the first phase, the Railways has decided to install new ‘Tank to Tap’ drinking water purification and monitoring systems at around 20,000 locations, including water coolers across the railway network.

The initiative is aimed at improving the quality and safety of drinking water available to railway passengers.

Old Water Tanks to Be Replaced

Railway officials have been instructed to take immediate corrective measures wherever necessary. Old water storage tanks will be removed and replaced with new tanks at locations where they are found to require improvement.

The Railways will also strengthen regular water quality testing at both drinking water sources and distribution points to ensure that the water supplied to passengers meets the required quality standards.

Regular Water Quality Monitoring

The new initiative will focus not only on water purification but also on continuous monitoring and maintenance. Railway authorities have been instructed to regularly clean water storage tanks and monitor drinking water quality.

The department also plans to publish water quality reports to improve transparency and accountability in the drinking water supply system.

Drinking Water Facilities to Be Expanded Gradually

The first phase of the programme will cover approximately 20,000 locations across Indian Railways. The initiative is expected to be expanded gradually to additional locations based on requirements.

The railway station drinking water improvement project is aimed at providing passengers with safer and better-quality drinking water while strengthening purification, monitoring and maintenance systems across the railway network.