Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness and disinfection drive across its network to strengthen the quality and safety of drinking water available to passengers at railway stations.
The initiative focuses on comprehensive inspection, cleaning and maintenance of drinking-water infrastructure, along with regular water-quality testing at both the source and point of consumption.
Under the drive, Zonal Railways will inspect water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps and other dispensing points. Drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected, while covers, vents and overflow points will be secured against contamination from birds, animals and algae.
Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced wherever necessary. Officials will also check for leakages and ensure there are no cross-connections between potable and non-potable water systems to prevent contamination and water wastage.
Special attention will be given to hand pumps and borewells used for drinking-water supply to ensure the water remains free from contamination and fit for consumption.
As part of the wider water-quality management plan, Railway authorities will also inspect water coolers and purification systems. Cooler tanks will be cleaned, leakages repaired and hygiene around dispensing areas maintained. UV/RO systems will be checked and installed or replaced wherever required, while filter candles and other components will undergo scheduled servicing and replacement.
The same cleaning, purification and monitoring measures will apply to Water Vending Machines to ensure that the water supplied through them meets prescribed safety and hygiene standards.
Railway officials will conduct physical, chemical and bacteriological testing of water samples from sources, post-treatment outlets, tanks, coolers, vending machines and selected taps or booths. Daily residual-chlorine levels will also be monitored, with re-chlorination or corrective action undertaken whenever required.
The Railway Board has further directed Zonal Railways to expedite sanctioned works involving the replacement or construction of overhead and underground water tanks and process fresh approvals wherever necessary. Suitable filtration and purification solutions, including at-source and at-tap systems, will also be identified to prevent contamination across different stages of the water supply chain.
Zonal Railways will submit station-wise reports on deficiencies identified and corrective measures taken, enabling time-bound monitoring and resolution of issues.
The initiative will also extend to drinking-water facilities at Railway colonies and workplaces, covering both passenger and staff areas.
Through the coordinated drive, Indian Railways aims to strengthen preventive inspections, infrastructure maintenance, cleaning and disinfection, water-quality testing and corrective-action systems to ensure safe, clean and hygienic drinking water for passengers and railway personnel.