The Indian Railways supplies approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water, branded as 'Rail Neer', daily to passengers across its network, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
In a written reply, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted efforts to ensure safe and potable drinking water at all railway stations.
He stated, “To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken. Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out, and complaints are attended to promptly.”
Vaishnaw was responding to a query raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre about the supply of drinking water at railway stations.
The minister disclosed that 954 water vending machines (WVMs) have been installed across railway zones to facilitate affordable drinking water access.
Additionally, Rail Neer, approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is made available in both trains and at stations.
Complaints about deficiencies in water services are monitored through various platforms, including public complaints, social media, and web portals, Vaishnaw added.
He said, “These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, and division offices. The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways, and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained.”
Indian Railways has been focusing on upgrading its infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water across its network.
The government reiterated its commitment to providing clean water facilities for passengers through consistent monitoring and corrective measures.
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