A CAG report has raised serious concerns over drinking water quality at Indian railway stations after tests found total coliform bacteria, including E. coli, in water samples collected from platform taps. The report examined passenger services at 512 non-suburban railway stations across India. Samples from stations including Coimbatore, Palakkad, Hyderabad, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, Lonavala and Madhupur reportedly showed contamination. Tests conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24 detected bacteria in samples from dozens of stations. E. coli can cause illnesses including food poisoning and diarrhoea. The findings have renewed concerns over hygiene and safe drinking water for passengers.
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