The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised serious concerns over sanitation and upkeep aboard long-distance trains operated by South Central Railway (SCR), revealing critical deficiencies that threaten passenger well-being and public health. The audit, which examined water availability, housekeeping and sanitation infrastructure, found that systemic lapses are compromising service delivery and undermining policy commitments.A key issue identified was the lack of adequate watering points across key sections of the railway network. Routes such as Katpadi–Vijayawada (559 km) and Renigunta–Vijayawada (450 km) were flagged for having no intermediate watering facilities, leading to water shortages in toilets and washbasins. This leaves passengers enduring unhygienic conditions until the next major stop. The problem is especially severe at inter-zonal junctions like Balharshah–Secunderabad and Gudur–Vijayawada, where poor coordination between railway zones results in extended dry spells. Officials confirmed that proposals to add watering points are underway, but the current infrastructure is inadequate to meet operational demands.In its defence, the SCR administration pointed to the implementation of Onboard Housekeeping Services (OBHS) on all long-distance trains and the Clean Train Station initiative at major hubs such as Secunderabad, Vijayawada, Renigunta and Guntakal, with plans to extend to Kacheguda. However, the audit found these steps insufficient. Contractors hired for sanitation were reported to be working with severe staff shortages, impacting the quality of cleaning. Over Rs 3.8 million in penalties were levied for non-compliance and passenger complaints, yet issues such as foul-smelling compartments, clogged toilets and dirty coaches persist, indicating a deeper structural failure in monitoring and accountability.Experts argue that maintaining hygiene and consistent water supply is fundamental to encouraging a modal shift from road and air travel to greener rail transport. Poor sanitation infrastructure not only affects comfort but undermines India’s ambition to promote rail as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. The CAG has recommended regular inspections, a dedicated sanitation budget with periodic increases, and improved inter-zonal coordination to ensure seamless and hygienic services.As the volume of rail passengers continues to rise—particularly during peak seasons—the Indian Railways' ability to maintain hygiene standards will be critical to achieving both passenger satisfaction and environmental sustainability. The findings reinforce that a net-zero rail future requires not just cleaner fuels, but also cleaner coaches.