Scarcity of packaged water in long distance trains and unsealed water bottles at railway stations are some of the findings of a parliamentary committee report tabled in parliament on Monday.

Expressing concern over the availability of safe drinking water at stations and trains, the standing committee on railways has asked the railways to take effective steps to ensure safe potable water to passengers.

Taking note of the existence of unauthorised vending in trains and stations, the committee has observed unauthorsied vending not only causes loss of revenue to railways but also poses a health hazard for passengers.

During their visits to various places, the committee members have found that at most of the stations, normal tap water stored in tanks is used for drinking purposes.

The committee, headed by T R Baalu, also found scarcity of water bottles in some long distance trains.

"Supply of water bottles without labels of manufacturing and expiry dates and even unsealed water bottles were also found," the report said.

Railways apprised the committee that with a view to supplying packaged drinking water in trains and stations, Indian railway catering and tourism corporation (IRCTC) has set up two plants at Nangloi and Danapur. Besides, railways is working on six more projects for providing drinking water and the standard terms of documents are getting finalised.

While appreciating the same, the committee said setting up of these projects should be expedited.

The 31-member committee recommended periodic surprise inspections at selling points to keep check on sale of unlabelled water bottles.

It also recommended provision of RO system be made mandatory at all railway stations to ensure supply of safe drinking water to passengers.