CAG Flags E. Coli in Drinking Water at Railway Stations

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged the presence of E. coli bacteria in drinking water supplied at various railway stations across the country. This finding raises significant concerns about public health and the safety of water provided to millions of passengers.

The audit report revealed that bacteriological tests, beyond those for Total coliforms, yielded unsatisfactory results at eight railway stations spread across four zones during the 2022-23 period. The following year, 2023-24, the problem persisted, with 11 stations in five different zones also failing to meet the required standards.

These findings underscore a critical lapse in ensuring the purity of drinking water at railway stations, which are vital transit hubs. The presence of E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in feces, indicates potential contamination of the water supply, possibly through sewage or other unsanitary sources.

The CAG's audit serves as a stark warning about the need for stringent monitoring and immediate corrective actions by the railway authorities to guarantee the safety and quality of drinking water for all passengers.