CAG Highlights E Coli Concerns in Railway Station Drinking Water

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged the presence of E coli in drinking water at various railway stations across India. The audit indicated unsatisfactory bacteriological tests, excluding Total coliforms, at eight stations in four zones during 2022-23, and at eleven stations in five zones during 2023-24, as reported by NDTV.

In addition to water quality issues, the audit also noted a lack of essential facilities at major railway stations, including Mumbai Central, New Delhi, and those near Kolkata such as Howrah and Sealdah. Deficiencies included inadequate seating, absence of toilets, lack of dustbins, and missing electronic display boards, as mentioned by Hindustan Times. The central government has since ordered corrective measures in response to these findings.