Following observations in a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on station sanitation and amenities, the Pune division of Central Railway conducted a special water inspection drive during August and September. Out of 2,132 drinking water samples tested across platforms, offices, and railway colonies, 50 were initially found unfit for consumption. According to a press release issued by the division, immediate corrective measures were taken, and follow-up tests confirmed no remaining bacterial or E. coli contamination.
While the CAG audit did not specifically name any station within the Pune division regarding water quality, officials initiated the comprehensive audit under directives from the Railway Board. The inspection covered 1,401 locations, including primary water sources, filtration units, underground and overhead storage tanks, water booths, and public taps.
Corrective Actions and Cleaning Protocols
During the drive, officials identified and repaired seven pipeline leakages across the network with zero backlog remaining. Maintenance teams also cleaned 1,382 water storage tanks across platforms, residential colonies, and administrative premises. Electrical Department staff inspected water coolers, cleared accumulated silt, replaced damaged or missing taps, and ensured proper filtration functionality.
Field units have now been instructed to maintain a strict, routine schedule for water testing and tank maintenance. To ensure prompt local monitoring, E. coli testing kits were distributed to the offices of concerned Inspectors of Works (IOWs). The news is getting viral on the social media, how about checking for more details:
Pune Railway Division Tests 2,132 Water Samples; 50 Found Unfit for Drinking https://t.co/EEmXLe3fWo #Pune #News #Railway
— The Bridge Chronicle (@TBChronicle) September 23, 2026
This initiative aligns with a broader nationwide plan by the Railway Board to establish “tank to tap” filtration and real-time monitoring across nearly 20,000 railway locations. The initiative includes replacing old storage tanks in phases, centralizing quality tracking, and enforcing uniform drinking water standards across all railway facilities. Stay tuned to know more only with us.
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