World · India Bureau
Parliamentary Panel Censures Railways Over Chronic Passenger Amenity Failures
A parliamentary committee has pulled up the Railways for persistent gaps in passenger facilities, with a government audit finding deficient bio-toilets at nearly 96% of surveyed stations. The panel has directed the Railway Ministry to explain why decades-old recommendations remain unaddressed.
LSN India ·
The Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed serious concern over the Railways' failure to improve passenger amenities despite repeated assurances, citing a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that reveals widespread deficiencies in basic facilities across the network.
According to the CAG audit, approximately 96% of the stations surveyed had inadequate bio-toilet infrastructure, underscoring the scale of the problem. The report indicates that the Railways had received similar observations and recommendations since at least 2007, yet meaningful action has not been taken to address these longstanding gaps.
The PAC chairperson has issued a directive requiring the Railway Ministry to submit a comprehensive response within one month, outlining the steps taken or planned to rectify the deficiencies. The committee's action signals growing parliamentary frustration over the gap between the Railways' stated commitments to enhancing passenger experience and on-ground implementation.
The findings highlight a systemic challenge within the Railways in translating policy directives into operational improvements, particularly concerning hygiene and sanitation facilities that directly impact millions of daily commuters across the country.