Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness and disinfection drive across its network to strengthen the safety and hygiene of drinking-water facilities and ensure passengers have access to clean and potable water at railway stations.
As part of the initiative, Zonal Railways will inspect and maintain the complete drinking-water supply chain, including water sources, treatment plants, filtration systems, underground and overhead tanks, water booths, taps and dispensing points. The focus is on preventive maintenance and regular water-quality monitoring rather than relying only on testing at the final point of supply.
During the drive, drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Railway authorities will also check tank covers, vents and overflow points to prevent contamination by birds, animals and algae. Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced wherever necessary.
The inspection will also focus on preventing cross-connections between potable and non-potable water systems. Pipelines forming part of the drinking-water network will be checked for leakages, with corrective measures taken to prevent contamination as well as unnecessary water loss.
Special attention will be given to drinking-water facilities dependent on hand pumps and borewells. Zonal Railways will verify that water drawn from these sources remains free from contamination and meets the requirements for safe potable use.
The Railway Board has also directed comprehensive inspections of water coolers and purification systems. Cooler tanks will be cleaned, while leakages in coolers, pipelines and taps will be repaired promptly. UV and RO purification systems will be checked for proper functioning, with servicing, filter replacement and overhauling undertaken wherever required.
The same hygiene and quality-control measures will be extended to Water Vending Machines. Railway authorities will conduct physical, chemical and bacteriological testing of water samples from selected sources, treatment outlets, tanks, coolers, vending machines and drinking-water taps or booths. Daily residual-chlorine monitoring will also be carried out, with re-chlorination or other corrective action wherever necessary.
The Railway Board has further asked Zonal Railways to expedite sanctioned projects for replacing old overhead and underground tanks and constructing new ones. Station-wise deficiencies identified during the special drive will be recorded along with corrective action taken, enabling closer monitoring and time-bound resolution.
The action plan also covers drinking-water infrastructure in Railway colonies and workplaces. Through regular inspection, cleaning, disinfection, infrastructure upgrades and systematic water-quality testing, Indian Railways aims to strengthen its drinking-water management system and ensure safe, clean and hygienic water for both passengers and railway personnel.