Navi Mumbai: All nine drinking water taps at Vashi station reportedly non-functional, commuters say

The defunct drinking water facilities at Vashi railway station. Pics/By Special Arrangement

With all nine drinking water taps across its four platforms reportedly non-functional, passengers at Vashi railway station on the Harbour line are being forced to look elsewhere to quench their thirst. Particularly troubling is the condition of taps installed for persons with disabilities, which are damaged and unusable.

The failure of a basic passenger amenity has raised questions over maintenance and accountability at one of Navi Mumbai's key railway stations. Commuters are left with little choice but to buy water from outside the station, while the lack of water is reportedly affecting cleaning work as well.

The taps were installed across the station's four platforms to provide drinking water to commuters. However, all nine connections are currently said to be out of service. The damaged taps intended for persons with disabilities highlight how passengers who may need accessible facilities could face additional difficulties.

Official's promise

A railway official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, initially denied that such a problem existed. However, after the situation was brought to his attention, he said the matter would be brought to the notice of the railway authorities and CIDCO, with efforts to resolve the issue.

Complaints ignored

Cleaning staff at the station claimed they had been informing the station master about the problem for several months, but no concrete action had been taken. They also said the lack of water was affecting their ability to carry out cleaning work.

Nagamani Pandey, a social activist from Navi Mumbai who highlighted the issue, said all nine taps needed to be restored and the damaged fittings repaired, particularly those intended for persons with disabilities. He also claimed that similar conditions prevailed at several other stations in Navi Mumbai.
Activist Samir Zaveri said, "The free drinking-water facility provided by railway authorities has become ineffective due to non-functional taps, which remain unrepaired for long periods. The station master should ensure immediate repair of defective taps; otherwise, this essential passenger amenity will remain only on paper."

[popcorn number="Four" desc="No. of platforms at Vashi station" class="Default"]