E coli found in drinking water, rail stations lack basic facilities: CAG

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has reported deficiencies in sanitation and essential amenities at 458 out of 512 railway stations across India. Among these, eight stations, including Coimbatore and Palakkad junctions in the South, Hyderabad in the South Central, four stations in the Central Railway, and Madhupur in the Eastern Railway, have E coli bacteria present in their water coolers.

Additionally, bacteriological analysis of drinking water was not conducted at 59 stations in six zones. The review meeting held following the CAG report aims to implement a new Tank to Tap water filtration system at 20,000 locations, replace water tanks, and conduct regular water testing. The report also highlighted deficiencies in provision of basic amenities like seating arrangements, sanitary facilities, dustbins, and electronic train indicator boards at various stations.