NEW DELHI: In a much-needed move, Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness drive across its network, focusing on the cleaning and disinfection of drinking-water tanks and filtration systems to ensure the continued availability of safe and clean drinking water for passengers at railway stations.
As part of a broader action plan to strengthen drinking-water quality management across Indian Railways, the initiative emphasises regular inspection and maintenance of the entire drinking-water system, along with water-quality testing both at the source and at the point of consumption, rather than relying solely on end-of-pipe testing.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Railways on Monday, Zonal Railways will undertake a comprehensive inspection of water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps and other water-dispensing points during the drive.
All drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Measures will also be taken to ensure that tank covers are tightly secured and that vents and overflow points are adequately protected from birds, animals and algae.
The official statement said the drive would also identify deficiencies requiring corrective action. Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced wherever necessary, while ensuring that there is no cross-connection between potable and non-potable water systems.
All pipelines forming part of the drinking-water network will also be checked for leakages, with necessary corrective measures taken to prevent water wastage.
Special attention will be given to locations where hand pumps and borewells are used to extract drinking water. Zonal Railways will ensure that water drawn from such systems remains free from contamination and is safe for potable use.
The Zonal Railways will submit station-wise details of deficiencies identified and the corrective action taken. This mechanism will facilitate systematic monitoring and ensure that issues detected during the special drive are addressed in a time-bound manner.
The action plan also envisages similar measures for drinking-water infrastructure in Railway colonies and workplaces, extending the focus on safe and hygienic drinking water beyond passenger areas.
Through these coordinated measures, Indian Railways is strengthening preventive inspections, infrastructure maintenance, cleaning and disinfection, water-quality testing and corrective-action mechanisms across its drinking-water supply system. The initiative aims to ensure the continued availability of safe, clean and hygienic drinking water for passengers as well as Railway personnel.