New Delhi, Aug 24: Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness and water-quality drive across its network to strengthen the availability of safe, clean and hygienic drinking water for passengers and railway personnel.
The initiative focuses on regular inspection, cleaning, disinfection and maintenance of the entire drinking-water system rather than depending only on final-stage water testing. Railway authorities will also monitor water quality at different stages, from the source and treatment facilities to storage tanks and points where passengers collect drinking water.
As part of the drive, Zonal Railways will inspect water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, water booths, taps, coolers and water dispensing points. Drinking-water tanks will be emptied, cleaned and disinfected, while covers, vents and overflow arrangements will be checked to reduce the risk of contamination.
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Damaged tanks, pipelines, filters and other equipment will be repaired or replaced wherever necessary. Railway teams will also check pipelines for leakage and ensure that drinking-water lines remain separate from non-potable water systems.
Special attention will be given to stations and other locations where hand pumps and borewells are used for drinking water. Officials will check these sources to ensure that the water remains suitable for consumption.
Water coolers and purification systems will also undergo detailed inspection. Cleaning of cooler tanks, repair of leaks and maintenance of taps and pipelines will be taken up as required. UV and RO purification systems will be checked for proper functioning, with servicing and replacement of filters and other components carried out when due.
Water vending machines will also be covered under the cleanliness and quality-monitoring programme. This will help ensure that water supplied through these machines meets the required hygiene and safety standards.
Railway authorities will conduct physical, chemical and bacteriological testing of water samples at selected locations, including sources, treatment outlets, storage tanks, coolers, vending machines and drinking-water points. Residual chlorine levels will also be monitored regularly, with corrective measures taken whenever required.
The initiative also includes monitoring of sanctioned works for the construction and replacement of underground and overhead water tanks. Where additional infrastructure is needed, the Railways will process the necessary proposals and take up the work on priority.
For passengers, the measures are particularly important at busy stations where large numbers of people depend on public drinking-water facilities during their journeys. Regular cleaning, testing and maintenance can help reduce contamination risks and improve confidence in these essential amenities.
The programme will also extend to drinking-water facilities in railway colonies and workplaces, ensuring that the focus on safe water covers both passengers and railway employees.
Zonal Railways will maintain station-wise records of deficiencies identified during inspections and the corrective steps taken. This will allow authorities to monitor pending issues and ensure that necessary repairs and improvements are completed in a timely manner.
The special drive strengthens Indian Railways’ focus on preventive maintenance, water-quality monitoring and passenger welfare, with the aim of making clean and safe drinking water a reliable everyday facility across the railway network.