The Hindu (National) ·
PAC pulls up Railways over gaps in passenger amenities despite promises
Around 96% of stations surveyed had deficient bio-toilets, finds CAG report; panel says Railways ignored observations made since 2007; PAC Chairperson directs Railway Ministry to submit a response within a month
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday (September 17, 2026) expressed concern over persistent deficiencies in passenger amenities and sanitation across railway stations, with a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit finding that bio-toilets, projected as a game changer by the Indian Railways, were found deficient or non-functional at 491 of the 512 stations inspected.
The findings were discussed at a PAC meeting, headed by senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, which examined the CAG’s Report No. 31 of 2026 on passenger amenities and sanitation at stations.
Sources said Mr. Venugopal acknowledged the scale and complexity of managing the Indian Railways, but said that should not hamper basic services for citizens. He noted that four PAC reports on the subject have been presented since 2007, highlighting key deficiencies, but the Railways ignored the findings. He added that the Ministry of Railways continued to submit action-taken reports, without making any significant improvements on the ground.
