A scathing report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has highlighted critical gaps in basic passenger facilities, including drinking water and toilets, at India's premier railway terminals. Over 89% of surveyed stations failed to meet minimum essential amenity standards.

  • Critical shortages of drinking water, fans, and toilets at NSG-1 stations like New Delhi and Mumbai Central.
  • Over 89% of 512 surveyed stations were found deficient in Minimum Essential Amenities (MEAs).
  • Systemic failure in maintenance and monitoring despite Railway Board guidelines since 1952.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has sounded an alarm regarding the dismal state of passenger facilities at several of the country's busiest railway hubs. In a comprehensive audit titled ‘Passenger Amenities and Sanitation at Non-Suburban Railway Stations in Indian Railways’, the CAG examined the period between 2019-20 and 2023-24, revealing widespread deficiencies in basic infrastructure.

The audit focused heavily on Non-Suburban Group-1 (NSG-1) category stations—those with earnings exceeding Rs 500 crore or outward passenger traffic exceeding 20 million. Shockingly, even these premier terminals, including CSMT, Howrah, Sealdah, and New Delhi, exhibited lapses in the provision of drinking water taps, fans, and sanitary facilities.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows a stark disconnect between the Indian Railways' push for high-speed luxury trains and the neglect of basic human necessities at stations. The fact that 89% of surveyed stations lack Minimum Essential Amenities (MEAs) suggests a systemic collapse in monitoring. When the highest-earning stations fail to provide clean water and ventilation, it indicates a deep-rooted operational inefficiency that affects millions of daily commuters.

"The failure to provide basic amenities at premier terminals reflects a governance gap where revenue generation is prioritized over passenger welfare."

According to the Railway Board (RB) instructions issued in April 2018, MEAs—which include drinking water, waiting halls, seating, platform shelters, urinals, latrines, and public announcement systems—were to be ensured at all stations by August 31, 2018. However, the CAG found that only 54 out of 512 surveyed stations were fully compliant.

Amenity Category Stations with Deficiencies (Examples)
Drinking Water Taps New Delhi, Mumbai Central, Howrah, Sealdah
Fans & Water Coolers New Delhi, Mumbai Central, Howrah, Patna Jn
Urinals & Latrines CSMT, Thane, Chennai Egmore
Signage/Indicators Howrah, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Secunderabad

The report further details that while some stations had adequate waiting halls and foot overbridges, they remained deficient in other core areas. The lack of electronic train indicator boards and proper signage at major hubs like MGR Chennai Central and Hazrat Nizamuddin further complicates the passenger experience, leading to chaos and mismanagement during peak hours.

Did You Know?: Only one NSG-1 category station, Gorakhpur Jn, was found to have no shortfalls in the prescribed basic passenger amenities during the survey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are NSG-1 category stations?
A: These are the highest category of non-suburban stations based on high annual earnings (over Rs 500 crore) or massive passenger footfall (over 20 million).

Q2: What are Minimum Essential Amenities (MEAs)?
A: MEAs are a set of mandatory facilities including drinking water, toilets, seating, and platform shelters that must be provided at every railway station regardless of its size.