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Indian Railways to overhaul water systems after CAG finds E. coli
A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed significant deficiencies in the drinking water and sanitation facilities at railway stations across India. The audit found E. coli bacteria in water samples from coolers at eight stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Coimbatore, and Hyderabad. Additionally, total coliform bacteria were detected in platform taps at numerous stations during the 2022-24 period.
The CAG report noted that over 89% of 512 surveyed non-suburban stations lacked Minimum Essential Amenities. It also highlighted that bacteriological testing was not conducted at 59 stations across six railway zones.
In response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered immediate corrective measures. The Ministry of Railways plans to install a ‘Tank to Tap’ water filtration and monitoring system at approximately 20,000 locations. Other measures include replacing old water tanks, mandating regular quality testing at both source and outlet points, and implementing a centralized monitoring system to ensure accountability and transparency.
Entities
Ashwini Vaishnaw · Comptroller and Auditor General of India · Indian Railways · Ministry of Railways · Mumbai · Railway Board
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] E. coli bacteria was found in drinking water from water coolers at eight railway stations. thelivenagpur.com · navbharatlive.com · www.dtnext.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] More than 89% of 512 non-suburban railway stations surveyed were deficient in Minimum Essential Amenities. thelivenagpur.com · www.dtnext.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Bacteriological testing of drinking water was not conducted at 59 stations across six railway zones. thelivenagpur.com · www.dtnext.in
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Railway Ministry will install a 'Tank to Tap' water filtration system at approximately 20,000 locations. www.latestly.com · navbharatlive.com · www.hindutamil.in · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Railways have ordered the replacement of water tanks as part of corrective measures. www.latestly.com · navbharatlive.com · www.hindutamil.in · newsable.asianetnews.com