Railways launches nationwide drive to clean station drinking water systems

Indian Railways has initiated a special cleanliness drive targeting drinking water infrastructure at stations across the country. The exercise covers comprehensive inspection of water sources, treatment plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps and dispensing points.

As part of the drive, drinking water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Authorities will also check tank covers, vents and overflow points to prevent contamination from birds, animals and algae. Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced, and the network will be inspected for leakages and cross-connections between potable and non-potable systems.

Special attention is being given to hand pumps and borewells used for water extraction. Water coolers and purification systems will also be cleaned, with UV/RO units checked and installed where needed.

Water samples from identified locations will undergo physical, chemical and bacteriological testing. Daily residual-chlorine monitoring will be carried out, with corrective action such as re-chlorination where necessary. Water vending machines will also be covered under the quality checks.

Zonal railways have been directed to monitor sanctioned works for new tanks and filtration systems, and to submit station-wise details of deficiencies along with corrective actions taken. The plan extends to railway colonies and workplaces as well.

The move follows a recent CAG report that detected E. coli bacteria in drinking water samples from eight of 49 railway stations, including several in Mumbai and others in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. The audit found shortfalls in testing for residual chlorine, bacteriological and chemical analysis, and non-compliance with the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol.