National
Railways to Upgrade Drinking Water Quality at 20,000 Locations
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered immediate measures to improve drinking water quality across the railway network, including a new Tank-to-Tap filtration and monitoring system at nearly 20,000 locations.
Following observations in a Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report on drinking water quality, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a day-long review of drinking water quality across the railway network.
The Minister directed railway officials to take immediate corrective measures to ensure that passengers have access to safe and clean drinking water at railway stations and other passenger facilities.
As part of the measures, the Railways will install a new Tank-to-Tap water filtration and monitoring system at nearly 20,000 locations across the railway network. The initiative will cover water coolers and other drinking water points, along with the replacement of water tanks where required.
Vaishnaw stressed the importance of strict compliance with regular water quality testing at both source and outlet points. He also called for centralised monitoring, clearly defined accountability and regular cleaning and maintenance of water storage tanks.
The Ministry of Railways said safe drinking water is a top priority and that the issue will be monitored directly at the Railway Board level.
To improve transparency, the Ministry said progress reports and water quality reports will be published periodically.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the Railways to address observations raised by the CAG and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
