In a decisive move to prioritise passenger health, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today ordered sweeping corrective measures after a full-day high-level review of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on drinking water quality in Indian Railways.
The review, attended by the Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board and other senior officials, has made safe drinking water a top-priority mission monitored directly at the Board level.
Immediate Action Plan Unveiled
A brand-new “Tank to Tap” water filtration system will be installed at approximately 20,000 locations across the vast railway network. This comprehensive setup includes advanced filtration units, water coolers, and real-time monitoring systems to ensure that every drop of water reaching passengers is pure and safe.
In parallel, old and potentially contaminated water tanks will be systematically replaced. Strict new protocols have been mandated:
- Regular water quality testing at both source and outlet points
- Centralised monitoring with clear accountability
- Scheduled cleaning and maintenance of all storage tanks
Progress reports and water quality data will be published periodically, bringing complete transparency to the process.
With these measures now in motion, Indian Railways aims to set a new benchmark for clean and safe drinking water on trains and at stations nationwide.
