Indian Railways modernisation faces scrutiny over basic passenger amenities
A CAG audit found deficiencies in essential facilities at most non-suburban stations despite heavy investment in infrastructure.
According to a report by The Times of India, Indian Railways is undergoing a massive modernisation drive involving new trains and redeveloped stations, though gaps in basic amenities persist.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the ministry of railways identified 1,337 stations for redevelopment by December 2025, with work completed at 155 stations by that time.
The scheme aims to improve station buildings, toilets, drinking water, platforms, and passenger information systems to enhance accessibility.
The Vande Bharat Express has seen significant growth, with nearly 3.98 crore passengers travelling on these services in 2025-26, a 34 per cent increase from 2.97 crore in 2024-25.
A railway official told The Times of India that newer trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat use push-pull technology to offer improved facilities.
However, a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit tabled in Parliament on August 12 found that 458 out of 512 non-suburban stations had deficiencies in essential amenities.
The CAG report highlighted issues with toilets and drinking water, noting E. coli contamination in water samples from coolers at eight locations.