CAG Report Raises Alarm Over Harmful Bacteria In Railway Station Drinking Water

A Comptroller and Auditor General ( CAG) audit has raised serious concerns over the quality of drinking water and basic passenger facilities at railway stations, finding E. coli contamination in water coolers and widespread failures to meet Railway Board norms.

The audit, covering 512 non-suburban stations across 16 Railway zones, found that 458 stations, or more than 89 per cent, were deficient in one or more Minimum Essential Amenities. The findings were part of CAG Report No. 31 of 2026, tabled in Parliament on August 12.

Water samples from coolers tested positive for E. coli at eight stations across Southern, South Central, Central and Eastern Railway. The audit also found that bacteriological analysis of drinking water had not been carried out at several stations, while samples collected from platform taps showed total coliform contamination at multiple locations.

The CAG found that the problem extended beyond water quality to maintenance and monitoring. At 191 stations, deficiencies were found in the cleaning and maintenance records of water coolers. At 139 stations, there were no records showing that coolers had been cleaned. Auditors also found instances of water coolers remaining non-functional for prolonged periods.

The report highlighted wider shortcomings in basic infrastructure. Passenger amenities were found to be below prescribed standards at a large majority of stations, with deficiencies involving drinking water, toilets, seating, platform shelters, fans, water coolers and signage. Even several major stations were not fully compliant with the norms.

The audit also pointed to weak financial utilisation and monitoring, raising questions over why deficiencies persisted despite funds and detailed guidelines being available. Railway Board norms on passenger amenities date back to 1952 and were comprehensively reiterated in April 2018.

The CAG has recommended that the Railways ensure strict compliance with inspection procedures for water-supply systems and conduct comprehensive drinking-water testing under the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol.

The report covers audit observations from 2019-20 to 2023-24, while also incorporating certain earlier and later instances where necessary. The findings raise questions over the effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms and whether repeated instructions are translating into safer and better facilities for millions of railway passengers.