Varanasi Division ensures safe drinking water at Azamgarh station

The Varanasi division of the Indian Railways has launched a special campaign at Azamgarh railway station aimed at ensuring the provision of safe and clean drinking water to all passengers. As part of this initiative, health inspectors have conducted on-site quality assessments and collected water samples to verify that the supply meets mandatory health standards. Passengers traveling through this station can now expect enhanced hygiene and purity in their daily water supply. This localized drive follows intensified nationwide efforts by the Indian Railways to overhaul water safety across its entire network. These measures were prompted by a Comptroller and Auditor General report that identified concerns regarding the presence of harmful bacteria, including E. coli and coliform, in water samples at various stations, while also highlighting deficiencies in chlorine monitoring. In response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to implement a rigorous inspection schedule covering water sources, filtration plants, storage tanks, and dispensing points.

Nationwide Water Safety Overhaul

Under the updated protocols, the railway network is deploying approximately 20000 new Tank to Tap filtration systems. Maintenance teams are tasked with the thorough cleaning, desilting, and disinfection of all water storage tanks, alongside ensuring that tank lids and vents are properly sealed against contamination. The railway has further established a system of fixed accountability to monitor water quality, mandating regular physical, chemical, and bacteriological analyses to protect public health. Passengers are encouraged to report any concerns regarding water quality or supply issues by contacting the Railway Helpline at 139.