Prayagraj: Indian Railways is preparing a major upgrade of its drinking water infrastructure, with “Tank to Tap” water filtration systems planned at around 20,000 locations, including water coolers across railway stations and other passenger facilities.
Railways plans water safety upgrade
The initiative follows concerns over drinking water quality highlighted in a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to take immediate corrective measures to improve water safety and strengthen monitoring across the railway network.
Under the new system, railway authorities will focus on regular cleaning and maintenance of water tanks, replacement of old or contaminated tanks and mandatory testing of water at both the source and outlet points.
Railway Board-level monitoring will also be strengthened, with periodic reports expected to track water quality and implementation.
CAG flags contamination concerns
The CAG audit had detected E. coli contamination in water samples at eight railway stations, raising concerns about the safety of drinking water available to passengers.
