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New Delhi: An audit of passenger amenities and sanitation by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has revealed that more than 89% of 512 railway stations inspected were deficient in one or more Minimum Essential Amenities (MEAs), including drinking water, toilets, fans, water coolers and signage. The report said that while there was no fund shortage, underutilisation of budget grants ranged between 36% to 44% during 2019-20 to 2023-24, highlighting “deficiencies in planning and execution rather than financial constraints.”

89% stations lack essential amenities

The findings are a part of the CAG report on passenger amenities and sanitation at non-suburban railway stations in Indian Railways that was tabled in parliament last week.

The report revealed that of the 512 stations audited, 458 stations were deficient in one or more MEAs.

“Significant shortfalls were observed in the provision of MEAs at the selected 512 stations, particularly in respect of fans (42%), water coolers (40%), drinking water........

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