India, Aug. 14 -- A CAG audit found that 458 of 512 inspected non-suburban railway stations, or more than 89%, lacked one or more prescribed passenger amenities.

The deficiencies included drinking water, seating, toilets, platform shelters, fans, water coolers and signage.

The audit also found drinking water quality concerns, including chlorine levels outside the prescribed range and the presence of total coliform bacteria, including E coli, at several stations.

Between 36% and 44% of the budget grant for passenger amenities remained unspent each year between 2019-20 and 2023-24, despite the availability of funds.

Passenger amenities appear to have taken a back seat in the functioning of Indian Railways. The latest audit by the Comptr...