CAG indicts railways over amenities

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has indicted railways of “improper and inadequate maintenance of passenger amenities” at stations.

It has also criticised progress in modernising stations through public-private-partnership.
 In its latest report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, the apex audit body pointed out that the Indian Railway Station Development Corporation could not even complete feasibility study at six selected stations. The CAG also commented on the dissatisfactory state of cleanliness at stations.

The audit body noticed inadequacies in provision of water taps, platforms in appropriate level, foot over-bridges, platform shelters, train indicator system, provisions of urinals at the selected stations.

Inadequacies in provision of desirable amenities such as pay and use toilets, separate entry and exit gates, stall for essential and medicines have also been noticed.

The CAG also found inadequacies in facilities for physically challenged passengers.