Gorakhpur Junction has emerged as the only railway station among twenty eight major NSG-1 category stations to successfully pass a recent Comptroller and Auditor General audit without any reported deficiencies. This significant recognition highlights the exceptional standards maintained at the station for passenger comfort and cleanliness. Here are the key highlights from the recent audit report presented in Parliament. Gorakhpur Junction is the sole top-tier station with zero deficiencies. The audit evaluated compliance with twelve Minimum Essential Amenities mandated by the Railway Board. Eighty nine percent of surveyed stations failed to meet established standards. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordered immediate corrective actions following the findings.
Understanding the Audit Findings
The audit report titled Passenger Amenities and Sanitation at Non-Suburban Railway Stations in Indian Railways was presented in Parliament on August 12, 2026, covering the financial period from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The evaluation specifically checked compliance with 12 Minimum Essential Amenities mandated by the Railway Board. These essential facilities include safe drinking water, waiting halls, proper seating, platform shelters, clean sanitation facilities, high-level platforms, working fans, foot overbridges, dustbins, functioning clocks, and reliable public address systems.
While Gorakhpur maintained full compliance across all parameters, the findings highlighted significant service gaps across the national network. The audit revealed that 89 percent of the 512 surveyed stations, totaling 458 locations, failed to meet established operational standards. Major high-traffic terminals such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Howrah, Sealdah, New Delhi, and Mumbai Central were specifically cited for shortcomings in core passenger amenities. Furthermore, serious water quality concerns were raised after laboratory tests at eight stations revealed the presence of harmful E. coli bacteria in drinking water sources.
Action Plan by Indian Railways
NSG-1 stations are officially defined as high-traffic railway hubs that generate over ₹500 crore in annual revenue and serve more than 2 crore passengers annually. Given the scale of passenger footfall at these major terminals, maintaining top-tier infrastructure and hygiene is critical for daily operations.
In swift response to the alarming audit findings, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conducted a comprehensive review meeting with senior railway officials to mandate immediate corrective actions. Special emphasis has been directed toward upgrading sanitation standards and ensuring absolute drinking water safety across the entire Indian Railways network to prevent future health hazards and service lapses.