Lok Sabha Question No. 1695 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Water Crisis Management in Small Railway Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Rachna Banerjee

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1695

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## WATER CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN SMALL RAILWAY STATIONS

1695. SMT. RACHNA BANERJEE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware about the water crisis in many small railway stations especially during summer season;
- (b) if so, the initiatives implemented/being implemented for efficient water management at railway stations including rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling;
- (c) the  details  of  the  progress  of  implementing  bio-toilets  in  all passenger coaches; and
- (d) the details of the plans for integrated solid waste management at railway premises?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  &  (b):  Indian  Railways  ensure  ample  water  supply  at  railway stations  by  measuring  expected  consumption,  making  alternative arrangements  for  shortfalls,  and  collaborating  with  municipalities, local water tanker suppliers, and other sources as needed. Instances

of  inadequate  drinking  water  have  been  reported  recently  at  small railway  stations  during  summer  season.  Regular  monitoring  of  water supply  at  those  stations  was  done  to  ensure  adequate  water  supply which includes arranging water tankers, boring additional hand pumps, etc.  Indian  Railways  has  implemented  initiatives  for  efficient  water management, including installing Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) systems, treating water from Water Recycling Plants for non-potable uses, and conducting regular Water Audits.

(c):  From year 2014 to 2025, 92,232 Coaches with 3,33,191 Bio toilets were  provided  against  3647  Coaches  with  9587  Bio  toilet  provided from year 2004-14. All passenger carrying mainline coaches have been provisioned with bio-toilets.

(d):  System  of  effective  management,  including  disposal  of  waste generated  at  railway  stations  and  surrounding  areas  is  in  place. Significant initiatives taken in this regard are as follows:

- (i) Waste  collected  inside  trains  is  disposed  of  at  nominated
- en-route stations, identified for waste disposal.
- (ii) Provision of two bin type dustbins has been carried out at 725  locations  for  segregation  of  bio-degradable  and  nonbiodegradable waste at source.
- (iii) Plastic  Bottle  Crushing  Machines  (PBCMs)  are  installed  at
- 531 stations as per requirement.

- (iv) Infrastructure like Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), Material Recovery Facility  (MRF)  has  been  installed  and  commissioned  on need basis, at a number of locations over Indian Railways. Presently, 142 STPs, 86 ETPs and 203 MRFs are in place.
- (v) Dedicated Environment & Housekeeping (EnHM) wings have been  set  up  in  Zonal  Railways  to  monitor/handle  waste management related matters.
- (vi) Railways engage with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), who have a  significant  role  to  play  in  effective  waste  management around station areas.

*****