Central Railway Acts After E. Coli Found in Water at CSMT, Kalyan and 2 Other Stations
Central Railway has initiated corrective measures after drinking water samples collected from four key stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), tested positive for E. coli bacteria, according to a senior railway official.
The bacteria was detected in water samples taken from CSMT, Kalyan, Bhiwandi Road, and Lonavala stations. Because all four stations witness significant daily passenger movement, the test results have raised serious concerns regarding the safety and quality of drinking water made available to commuters across the railway network.
Following the detection, Central Railway’s Electrical and Medical departments began working on the findings. A senior official stated that both departments are actively examining the issue and taking necessary steps to address the contamination.
The discovery comes against the backdrop of a recent audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which flagged major deficiencies in the monitoring of drinking-water quality across railway stations in the country.
The CAG audit revealed that 28 Central Railway stations did not have the required water-testing kits. Across 15 railway zones nationwide, 436 stations were found to be operating without the necessary testing kits.
Under Railway Board guidelines, water supply systems at railway stations are mandated to undergo testing at least twice a year using multi-parameter field testing kits to ensure standards are met.
Following the CAG findings, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held a day-long review meeting with senior railway officials to evaluate the situation.
Subsequent to the review, the Railways decided to roll out "Tank to Tap" filtration and monitoring systems at approximately 20,000 locations across the country. The initiative also includes replacing older water tanks and strengthening regular testing, cleaning, and maintenance protocols.
Central Railway officials noted that the ongoing measures at CSMT, Kalyan, Bhiwandi Road, and Lonavala are aimed at resolving the immediate water-quality issues and preventing any recurrence of bacterial contamination.
