Railways Launch 10-Day Water Cooler Inspection Drive After CAG Flags E. Coli In Drinking Water Samples
Mumbai: Days after a CAG audit flagged the presence of E. coli bacteria in drinking-water samples from water coolers at railway stations, the Railway Board has ordered a 10-day special inspection drive to check water coolers and UV-RO purification systems across the country. The audit had also found E. coli in samples from four Central Railway stations Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus,…
Mumbai: In response to a Central Audit Office (CAG) audit that discovered E. coli bacteria in drinking-water samples from water coolers at railway stations, the Railway Board has initiated a 10-day comprehensive inspection drive across the country. This follows the audit's revelation of E. coli contamination in samples taken from four Central Railway stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, and Lonavala.
The CAG report had raised concerns over the quality of drinking water available to passengers, highlighting deficiencies in drinking-water quality and testing at several stations.
As part of the special drive, railway zonal offices and production units are tasked with inspecting water coolers, cleaning water tanks, examining them for rust, leakage, and other defects, and ensuring lids and gaskets are properly sealed. Any leakage found will be promptly repaired. The inspection will also cover the functioning of UV and RO water purification systems, with officials verifying regular servicing, maintenance, and filter replacements.
Defective, damaged, or unhygienic coolers will be taken out of service immediately, and severely deteriorated units replaced with new ones.
The cleanliness of areas surrounding drinking-water facilities will also be assessed, with compliance with hygiene standards ensured. Following the 10-day campaign, regular inspections and maintenance will be conducted according to the prescribed schedule. Senior officials will oversee the implementation of the drive, and zonal railways will submit compliance reports to the Railway Board upon completion.
This initiative comes as the Railways faces increased scrutiny over basic passenger amenities following the CAG's findings.
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