New Delhi, 30 September (H.S.): The Delhi Division of Northern Railway has launched a special drive to ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water for passengers at the capital’s major railway stations. As part of the initiative, particular emphasis is being placed on comprehensive upgrades to water-supply systems, water-quality monitoring and the maintenance of water-storage infrastructure at New Delhi Railway Station, Delhi Junction and Anand Vihar Terminal. Together, the three stations handle approximately 650,000 passengers every day.

According to Northern Railway, the initiative has been undertaken in line with directives issued by Indian Railways concerning the strengthening of water infrastructure and safety management. The objective is not limited to testing water quality at the point of consumption; rather, the campaign seeks to ensure a continuous supply of clean, safe and hygienic drinking water for passengers.

As part of the drive, water-storage tanks and filtration tanks are undergoing thorough cleaning, while necessary infrastructure-upgradation works are also being carried out. The railway authorities are ensuring that all water-storage tanks are fitted with appropriate covers and secure vents to prevent contamination from external sources from entering the water-supply system.

The water-distribution network is being inspected regularly to facilitate the timely detection of leaks. Damaged pipes, taps and valves are also being repaired or replaced as required. These measures are expected to reduce water wastage and improve the overall efficiency of the supply system.

The railway has also put measures in place to ensure complete separation between pipelines carrying potable water and those used for non-potable purposes. The objective is to eliminate any possibility of cross-contamination.

Filter cartridges in the reverse osmosis (RO) plants connected to water coolers and water-vending machines installed across the station premises are being serviced and overhauled regularly, with replacements being carried out wherever necessary. Special cleanliness drives are also being conducted around water-distribution points and water coolers to provide passengers with a clean and hygienic environment.

Teams from the railway’s medical and engineering departments are conducting regular tests to monitor water quality. Residual chlorine levels are also being continuously monitored in accordance with prescribed safety standards to ensure the quality and safety of drinking water.

Northern Railway said that providing passengers with safe and hygienic drinking water remains among the Delhi Division’s highest priorities. The comprehensive campaign is being carried out with the objective of maintaining reliable, safe and passenger-friendly drinking water facilities across the three major stations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar