Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness drive across its network to clean and disinfect drinking-water tanks and filtration systems, with the aim of ensuring the availability of safe and hygienic drinking water for passengers at railway stations.
As part of the drive, Zonal Railways have been advised to conduct comprehensive inspections of drinking-water infrastructure and take corrective measures wherever deficiencies are identified.
The initiative is part of a broader action plan to strengthen drinking-water quality management across the railway network. The plan focuses on regular inspection and maintenance of the entire water supply system, along with water-quality testing at both the source and point of consumption.
During the drive, Zonal Railways will inspect water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps and water dispensing points.
Drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Railways will also ensure that tanks have tight covers and that vents and overflow points are adequately protected from birds, animals and algae.
Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced wherever necessary. Officials will also check for any cross-connection between potable and non-potable water systems and inspect drinking-water pipelines for leakages to prevent contamination and water wastage.
Special attention will be given to locations where hand pumps and borewells are used to supply drinking water, with Zonal Railways directed to ensure that water from these sources remains safe for potable use.
Strengthening water-quality management
The Railway Board has also advised Zonal Railways to undertake comprehensive inspections of water coolers and purification systems.
Water tanks in coolers will be thoroughly cleaned, while leakages in coolers, pipelines and taps will be addressed promptly. Hygiene around water-cooler dispensing areas will also be ensured.
UV and RO purification systems will be checked for proper functioning and installed wherever required. Scheduled maintenance, servicing and timely replacement of filter candles and other components will also be undertaken.
The prescribed cleaning, purification and quality-monitoring measures will also apply to Water Vending Machines to ensure that water supplied through these facilities meets required safety and hygiene standards.
Railway officials will conduct physical, chemical and bacteriological tests of water samples from identified locations, including water sources, post-treatment outlets, tanks, coolers, vending machines and representative taps or booths, wherever feasible.
Daily residual-chlorine monitoring will also be carried out, with re-chlorination or other corrective measures to be undertaken wherever required.
Station-wise monitoring of deficiencies
The Railway Board has directed Zonal Railways to monitor and expedite already sanctioned works for the replacement and construction of new overhead and underground water tanks.
A summary of such sanctioned works will be prepared, while fresh sanctions will be processed wherever required.
Railways are also working on suitable filtration and purification systems for different requirements, including at-source and at-tap filtration, to identify and prevent contamination at different stages of the drinking-water supply chain.
Zonal Railways will submit station-wise details of deficiencies identified during the drive and the corrective action taken. The mechanism is aimed at ensuring systematic monitoring and time-bound resolution of identified issues.
Similar measures will also be undertaken for drinking-water infrastructure in railway colonies and workplaces, extending the focus on safe and hygienic drinking water to railway personnel.
Through the 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.
