The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has sought a detailed response from the Railways over deficiencies in passenger amenities and sanitation highlighted in a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.

The CAG report flagged gaps in basic facilities at railway stations, including concerns related to drinking water, seating and other passenger amenities. It also pointed to cases of budget underutilisation and delays in completing works intended to improve passenger facilities.

The PAC has asked Central Railway and Western Railway to submit written responses to 18 questions ahead of an informal discussion with railway officials scheduled in Mumbai on September 23.

The panel has specifically sought explanations over deficiencies at premier NSG-1 category stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Howrah, Sealdah, New Delhi and Mumbai Central.

The CAG findings reportedly included instances where drinking water was found to contain E. coli bacteria. The audit also highlighted the absence or inadequacy of basic passenger facilities across a large share of stations.

The PAC’s questions are expected to focus on the reasons behind continuing gaps in passenger amenities, delays in infrastructure projects and the utilisation of funds allocated for passenger facility improvements.

The railway authorities will now have to provide their responses before the panel’s scheduled discussion.