India, Aug. 17 -- A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged serious gaps in drinking water facilities and sanitation at Indian railway stations, including the presence of E coli bacteria in water samples from several stations. The presence of E coli is an indicator of possible faecal contamination and can signal that drinking water is not safe for consumption.

Out of 512 stations inspected, 458 stations (more than 89 per cent) were deficient in one or more Minimum Essential Amenities (MEAs), including drinking water, seating, toilets, platform shelters, fans, water coolers and signage. Even high-revenue, high-footfall Non-Suburban Group (NSG-1 to NSG-3 stations) exhibited significant shortfalls, th...