Unsafe Railway Station Water & Sanitation — Nationwide Audit Compliance Measures
This public interest petition was filed after a Comptroller and Auditor General audit reported widespread deficiencies at non-suburban railway stations across India, including unsafe drinking water testing practices, detection of E. coli and coliform contamination at some stations, inadequate toilets, poor sanitation, lack of emergency medical preparedness, and accessibility gaps. The petition presents these findings as a systemic failure affecting the health, safety and dignity of a very large number of railway passengers, despite prescribed standards and substantial budgetary allocations. Intervention was sought after a representation to the concerned authorities allegedly did not result in effective nationwide corrective action. The petitioner broadly asked for verified compliance measures, time-bound inspections and testing, rectification of deficiencies, safer alternative arrangements where required, transparent station-wise reporting, and stronger monitoring and implementation of the audit recommendations.
Petition filed; party-in-person application also indicated. No order or listing outcome is stated in the document.
The petition under Article 32 relies primarily on CAG Report No. 31 of 2026 (Railways), titled "Passenger amenities and sanitation at non-suburban railway stations in Indian Railways." According to the petition, the audit covered 512 railway stations across all 16 Railway Zones and found that 458 stations were deficient in one or more Minimum Essential Amenities. The petition highlights findings relating to drinking-water testing gaps, chlorine non-compliance, bacteriological and chemical testing deficiencies, E. coli and total coliform detection in some samples, non-functional or unavailable toilet facilities, absence of emergency medical arrangements at many stations, accessibility shortcomings, delays in passenger amenity works, and under-utilisation of budget grants. The petitioner states that a representation dated 27.08.2026 was submitted to the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and FSSAI before filing the PIL.
Whether widespread alleged non-compliance with prescribed standards for safe drinking water, sanitation, minimum essential amenities, accessibility, and emergency preparedness at railway stations violates passengers' rights under Articles 14 and 21 and warrants nationwide court-directed verification and corrective action.
- 01Issuance of appropriate writs, orders or directions to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory obligations relating to public health, sanitation, safe drinking water, passenger safety, accessibility and Minimum Essential Amenities at railway stations throughout India.
- 02Nationwide, time-bound inspection or survey of railway stations to verify deficiencies in passenger amenities, sanitation, accessibility, emergency preparedness and related facilities.
- 03Collection and testing of drinking-water samples from passenger water sources through competent or accredited laboratories.
- 04Withdrawal of unsafe drinking-water sources from public use and provision of safe alternative drinking water arrangements.
- 05Preparation of station-wise deficiency reports and corrective-action plans within defined timelines.
- 06Establishment of a permanent, transparent and effective monitoring mechanism for passenger amenities and sanitation compliance.
- 07Implementation of the recommendations contained in CAG Report No. 31 of 2026 (Railways).
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