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, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan and Lonavala raising concerns over the quality of drinking water available to passengers.

Zonal railways asked to inspect water coolers

The Railway Board has directed all zonal railways and production units to conduct a comprehensive inspection of water coolers during the special drive. Officials have been asked to thoroughly clean water tanks and check them for rust, leakage and other defects. The condition of lids and gaskets will also be examined to ensure that tanks remain properly sealed. Any leakage from coolers, pipelines or taps is to be repaired immediately.

The timing of the exercise is significant as the CAG's Report on Passenger Amenities and Sanitation at Railway Stations had flagged deficiencies in drinking-water quality and testing. The audit found that prescribed periodic inspections and water-quality tests were not consistently carried out at several stations.

Faulty coolers to be removed

As part of the special drive, the functioning of UV and RO water purification systems will also be checked. Officials have been instructed to verify regular servicing, maintenance and overhauling of the systems and ensure that filters are replaced within the prescribed period.

Railways have specifically directed that defective, damaged or unhygienic coolers should be taken out of service immediately. Where a cooler is found to be beyond repair or in a severely deteriorated condition, steps must be taken to replace it with a new unit.

The cleanliness of areas surrounding drinking-water facilities will also be checked, with officials instructed to ensure full compliance with hygiene standards.

The 10-day campaign will be followed by regular inspections and maintenance according to the prescribed schedule. Railways have also been asked to maintain proper records of inspections and repairs.

Senior officials will monitor the implementation of the drive, while zonal railways have been directed to submit compliance reports to the Railway Board after completing the exercise.The move comes as the Railways faces increased scrutiny over basic passenger amenities following the CAG findings.

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