E. coli found in water coolers at eight railway stations, CAG report says

E. coli bacteria has been found in drinking water samples from water coolers at eight railway stations across four zones, according to a CAG report released on 16 August. The audit examined passenger services at 512 non-suburban grade stations. The stations where E. coli was detected include Coimbatore and Palakkad Junctions (Southern Railway), Hyderabad (South Central Railway), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan and Lonavala (Central Railway), and Madhupur (Eastern Railway).

The same report found that more than 89 per cent of the 512 stations surveyed, 458 in total, were deficient in Minimum Essential Amenities, which include drinking water, waiting halls, seating, urinals, and latrines. Deficiencies were noted even at top-category NSG-1 stations such as CSMT, Mumbai Central, Howrah, Sealdah, and New Delhi. An analysis of the Passenger Amenities Management System revealed shortfalls including inadequate latrines at 201 stations, urinals at 403 stations, and water taps at 2,035 stations.

The CAG has recommended that Indian Railways ensure compliance with prescribed protocols for inspecting water supply systems and for comprehensive testing of drinking water quality, including all parameters under the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol.