Bhubaneswar, September 20: East Coast Railway (ECoR) has intensified monitoring of drinking water quality and sanitation facilities at railway stations and colonies to ensure safe, hygienic and clean surroundings for passengers and railway employees.
As part of a special 15-day fortnight drive conducted from August 18 to September 3, 2026, followed by continuous monitoring, ECoR undertook extensive water quality checks across 175 railway stations and 160 railway colonies. During the drive and subsequent monitoring, a total of 1,037 residual chlorine tests and 288 bacteriological tests were conducted.
The campaign covered all three divisions of ECoR—Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Rayagada. During the testing process, seven bacteriological samples were initially found to be non-compliant with the prescribed standards. Immediate corrective measures were undertaken, followed by mandatory retesting. All seven samples subsequently met the prescribed protocol, officials said.
ECoR has continued routine as well as surprise water quality testing to maintain safety standards. Regular cleaning of water tanks, water coolers and other station facilities is also being undertaken.
In addition, daily sanitation drives are being carried out across station premises, including waiting halls, toilets and drains, under regular supervision. The railway has emphasised continuous monitoring and timely corrective action to maintain hygienic conditions and ensure the availability of safe drinking water for passengers and staff.
