Central Railway Launches Corrective Measures After E. Coli Detection at Four Stations

Central Railway has begun corrective measures following the detection of E. coli bacteria in water samples collected from four high-traffic stations: CSMT, Kalyan, Bhiwandi Road and Lonavala. The Electrical and Medical departments have started examining the issue and taking necessary steps to address the contamination.

The action comes after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit flagged deficiencies in drinking-water quality monitoring across railway stations. The audit found that 28 Central Railway stations lacked required water-testing kits, while 436 stations across 15 railway zones had similar gaps. Following the CAG findings, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the situation with senior officials.

Railways have decided to install 'Tank to Tap' filtration and monitoring systems at approximately 20,000 locations, replace water tanks, and strengthen regular testing, cleaning and maintenance protocols. Railway Board guidelines mandate water supply testing at stations at least twice yearly using multi-parameter field testing kits.