The Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness drive aimed at improving the quality of drinking water across its network. The initiative involves frequent inspections, maintenance, and testing of the entire drinking-water system.
The Indian Railways has initiated a special cleanliness drive focused on 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. This drive is part of a broader action plan aimed at strengthening drinking-water quality management across the entire network.
During the drive, Zonal Railways will undertake comprehensive inspections of water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps, and water dispensing points. All drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed, and disinfected, with measures taken to prevent contamination from birds, animals, and algae.
The drive will also identify deficiencies requiring corrective action. Damaged tanks, pipelines, and filters will be repaired or replaced as necessary, while ensuring there is no cross-connection between potable and non-potable water systems. All piping forming part of the drinking-water circuit 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 being used for extraction of drinking water. Zonal Railways will ensure that water from such systems remains free from contamination and is safe for potable use.
As part of the broader action plan, the Railway Board has advised Zonal Railways to undertake comprehensive inspection of water coolers and water purification systems. UV/RO purification systems for water coolers will be checked for proper functioning, and necessary corrective measures will be taken where required.
The prescribed measures for cleaning, purification, and quality monitoring will also be applicable to Water Vending Machines to ensure that drinking water dispensed through such facilities meets the required safety and hygiene standards. Officers will undertake physical, chemical, and bacteriological testing of water samples from identified locations to monitor the effectiveness of these measures.
The Railway Board has also directed Zonal Railways to monitor and expedite works already sanctioned for replacement and construction of new overhead and underground tanks. A summary of these sanctioned works will be prepared, and fresh sanctions, wherever required, will be processed.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
