New Delhi, November 9: A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking time-bound measures to improve drinking water, sanitation, medical facilities and accessibility at railway stations across the country, PTI reported. The plea has asked the Centre and other authorities to ensure hygienic drinking water, functional toilets, proper waste management, cleanliness, emergency medical facilities and minimum essential amenities for passengers.

Source: PTI via India Today / News89

According to the Supreme Court's cause list for November 16, the petition is scheduled to be heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, PTI reported. Hindustan Times also reported the filing, on hygienic drinking water and medical facilities at stations.

Source: Hindustan Times via GotoNews

What the plea asks for

The petition has sought comprehensive and periodic testing of all drinking water sources meant for passengers at railway stations in accordance with prescribed standards. One of its prayers asks the court to direct the authorities to test for E. coli, total coliforms and other bacteriological and chemical parameters, 'and to immediately discontinue every unsafe or contaminated source and provide safe alternative drinking water until rectification and certification'.

Source: PTI via India Today / News89

The plea cited a Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report tabled in Parliament in August, which flagged the presence of E. coli bacteria in drinking water from water coolers and unhygienic washrooms at several stations, PTI reported. It has sought directions to implement the applicable recommendations of the CAG report within definite timelines, through station-wise corrective action and an effective and transparent monitoring mechanism.

Source: PTI via India Today / News89

The petition is a filing at this stage — the court has not yet heard it or passed any direction. What the bench says on November 16, and whether it issues notice to the Centre and the Railways, will decide whether the plea turns into enforceable deadlines for station amenities used by crores of passengers every day.