Now Reading: CAG finds 89% of audited railway stations deficient in basic amenities
-
01
CAG finds 89% of audited railway stations deficient in basic amenities
A Comptroller and Auditor General audit of 512 railway stations found that 458 (89%) lacked minimum essential amenities such as fans, water coolers, drinking water taps, urinals, seating, platform shelters, latrines, and…
The Story in Brief
A Comptroller and Auditor General audit of 512 railway stations found that 458 (89%) lacked minimum essential amenities such as fans, water coolers, drinking water taps, urinals, seating, platform shelters, latrines, and clocks. Only 54 stations met all norms. Deficiencies persisted even at major terminals like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Howrah, and New Delhi.
Budget grants for passenger amenities were underutilised by 36%-44% annually from 2019-20 to 2024-25, despite rising passenger earnings. The CAG noted that similar shortfalls were flagged in 2007, 2013 and 2016, and attributed the gaps to weak monitoring, absence of time-bound plans, and inconsistent prioritisation. Of 395 amenity works reviewed, 59% were delayed by one to over four years.
The Indian Opinion
The railway ministry often showcases Amrit Bharat modernisation as a success, but the CAG report lays bare that basics like fans and drinking water are still missing at nine of every ten stations. The narrative of rapid upgrade rings hollow when 40% of station water coolers and 42% of fans are absent. The real test: will the next budget show utilisation of the Rs 14,072 crore allocated for amenities, not just announcements?
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
