CAG Flags Water Shortages, Dirty Toilets on Indian Railways

Post by : Amit

A Growing Crisis in Train Hygiene

Indian Railways, the world's fourth-largest rail network, has long been a symbol of the nation's connectivity and progress. However, a recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has cast a shadow over its reputation, revealing alarming deficiencies in sanitation and water supply on long-distance trains. The report underscores systemic issues that compromise passenger comfort and public health, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of existing maintenance protocols.

Water Shortages: A Persistent Problem

One of the most pressing concerns highlighted in the CAG report is the chronic lack of water supply on several long stretches of the network. Routes such as Katpadi–Vijayawada (559 km) and Renigunta–Vijayawada (450 km) were found to have no intermediate watering points, leaving passengers without functioning toilets or washbasins for hours. Complaints were particularly acute at inter-zonal crossings like Balharshah–Secunderabad and Gudur–Vijayawada, where coordination failures between railway zones aggravated shortages. Despite officials admitting that new watering points are under consideration, the current dependence on a handful of stations has left trains vulnerable to repeated water crises.

Sanitation Standards: A Matter of Public Health

The CAG audit also paints a grim picture of cleanliness aboard long-distance trains. Joint inspections found choked washbasins, dirty lavatories in sleeper coaches, and unhygienic vestibules on 13 of the 15 trains examined. While 89% of complaints regarding toilet cleanliness were resolved within the stipulated timeframe, overall conditions remained poor. Bio-toilets in AC coaches were relatively better maintained than those in non-AC classes, but passenger dissatisfaction still exceeded 50% in zones such as East Coast, Western, and Eastern Railways. In contrast, Northern and North Central Railways reported satisfaction levels above 90%. 

The Clean Train Stations Scheme: Falling Short

Introduced to provide mechanized cleaning of toilets, vestibules, and doorways during brief halts, the Clean Train Stations (CTS) scheme has not achieved its intended results. Inspections at 29 CTS facilities across 12 zones revealed limited cleaning, inadequate manpower, and poor enforcement of contractual obligations. The audit also found that railway authorities had not ensured police verification of contractual staff working on trains, raising concerns about safety and accountability. 

Passenger Complaints: A Growing Chorus

The audit found that 15% of travelers reported a lack of water in toilets or washbasins. In 2022-23 alone, more than one lakh complaints regarding water shortage were registered on the Rail Madad app. Contractors engaged for sanitation were also found to be operating with significant staff shortages, prompting penalties of over ₹38 lakh. Despite these fines, conditions in several trains remained unsatisfactory, pointing to weaknesses in monitoring and accountability. 

Recommendations for Improvement

The CAG has urged Indian Railways to implement several measures to address these issues:

• Enhanced Water Supply Infrastructure: Establishing additional watering points on long stretches to ensure a continuous water supply.
• Improved Sanitation Practices: Regular inspections and maintenance of toilets and washbasins to uphold hygiene standards.
• Strengthened Oversight: Ensuring police verification of all contractual staff and enforcing stricter monitoring of sanitation services.
• Dedicated Sanitation Budget: Allocating a separate budget for sanitation and cleanliness, with provisions for annual increments.

Implementing these recommendations could significantly enhance the quality of services and restore passenger confidence in the railway system.

A Call for Urgent Action

The findings of the CAG audit serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Indian Railways in maintaining basic hygiene and sanitation standards. While the network continues to serve millions of passengers daily, the current state of cleanliness and water supply is unacceptable. Addressing these issues is not just a matter of comfort but of public health and safety. It is imperative that Indian Railways takes immediate and effective action to rectify these deficiencies and ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers.

Indian Railways sanitation, CAG report, train water shortages