Indian Railways under scrutiny by PAC over passenger amenity lapses

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is investigating serious lapses in passenger amenities within the Indian Railways following an audit. PAC chairperson KC Venugopal stated that auditors identified “serious discrepancies” regarding essential facilities, including drinking water, seating arrangements, fans, platform roofs, and ATM counters.

Venugopal noted that despite assurances made a decade ago that drinking water would be available at all locations, hundreds of stations still lack this basic necessity. The committee also highlighted a lack of toilet facilities for Divyangjans at various stations and on trains, as well as issues with ticket availability.

The committee has issued a one-month deadline for the Ministry of Railways to address these shortcomings. A follow-up meeting with Railway Ministry officials will be convened in one month to review progress on resolving the identified discrepancies.