Central Railway Enhances Safe Drinking Water Supply at Stations and Trains

Mumbai, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : Central Railway is taking significant steps to ensure clean and safe drinking water for passengers. This initiative comes as part of a comprehensive effort to strengthen the water supply, filtration, testing, and monitoring systems at its stations, coaching depots, and other passenger facilities.

Following a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding water quality, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board and senior officials, conducted a thorough review of the situation. They directed immediate corrective measures to improve the availability of safe drinking water for travelers on Indian Railways.

In compliance with the Railway Board’s directives, Central Railway has launched an extensive action plan. The plan includes the installation of new filtration systems, water coolers, and water quality monitoring systems at approximately 20,000 locations across the railway network. Central Railway aims to implement these improvements swiftly at stations, coaching depots, and other locations directly serving passengers.

Additionally, the railway is identifying and replacing old and damaged water storage tanks in a phased manner. Regular quality checks at both water sources and outlets, centralized monitoring, and timely cleaning and maintenance of storage tanks have also been prioritized.

In response to CAG comments regarding water samples collected from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhivandi Road, Kalyan, and Lonavala during the 2023-24 period, Central Railway has taken corrective and preventive actions at these four stations. Under a special campaign, physical, chemical, and bacteriological tests of water samples were conducted. According to Central Railway, all samples were found satisfactory, with no E. coli or bacteriological contamination detected.

Based on the latest special campaign findings, the railway confirmed that the drinking water currently available to passengers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhivandi Road, Kalyan, and Lonavala is safe and potable.

During this special campaign, a complete inspection of the water pipeline systems at the four stations was carried out to detect any leaks. Measures were also implemented to fit strong mesh covers on the vents and overflow systems of water tanks. Inspections and cleaning of water coolers were conducted, sediment buildup was removed, leaking taps were replaced, and new taps were installed where none existed.

To enhance regular inspections, E. coli testing kits have been made available at the relevant Inspector of Works offices. The Railway Board will prioritize monitoring these initiatives aimed at improving drinking water quality. Progress reports related to water quality will be published periodically to ensure transparency and accountability in the system.

This initiative not only addresses the CAG’s observations but is also part of a broader campaign to enhance passenger facilities and strengthen the overall travel experience for passengers on Indian Railways.