Indian Railways has initiated a rigorous cleanliness drive targeting 11 specific long-distance trains, particularly those with journeys exceeding 40 hours. This move aims to guarantee consistent hygiene standards, functional bio-toilets, and improved onboard services from the start of the journey until the final destination, addressing common passenger complaints about deteriorating conditions en route.
Trains Under Special Scrutiny
The list of trains identified for enhanced monitoring includes some of the country’s longest-running services. Prominent among them is the Dibrugarh–Kanniyakumari Vivek Express. Other trains flagged for special attention are:
- Awadh–Assam Express
- Rani Kamalapati–Agartala Express
- Ahmedabad–Saharsa Express
- Danapur–SMVT Bengaluru Superfast
- Pune–Supaul Express
- Amrapali Express
- Jhelum Express
- Rajgir–Mumbai LTT Janta Express
- Howrah–Islampur Express
- Amritsar–Saharsa Garib Rath
Implementation Strategy
A directive from the Railway Board, issued on October 3, outlines a comprehensive strategy for zonal railways. This mandates close monitoring of these trains throughout their journey. Ownership for maintaining cleanliness has been assigned directly to maintenance supervisors and Coaching Depot Officers (CDOs). Furthermore, officers at the Zonal Railway level will conduct weekly reviews of cleanliness status, incorporating passenger feedback and complaint resolution into their assessments.
Key Measures for Enhanced Cleanliness
Several key measures are being implemented to ensure the success of this initiative:
- Focused Cleaning: Dedicated cleaning efforts will be carried out at designated Clean Train Station (CTS) points, equipped with sufficient manpower, equipment, and cleaning supplies.
- En-Route Repairs: Minor repairs to coaches and amenities will be addressed promptly during the journey to maintain functionality.
- Bio-Toilet Inspections: Bio-toilets will undergo regular inspections at depots and specific en-route locations to ensure proper functioning and hygiene.
- OBHS Monitoring: On-Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS) agencies will face stricter oversight and accountability for their performance.
- Regular Garbage Collection: Garbage will be collected from coaches every two hours and systematically handed over at designated disposal points.
- Photo Monitoring: Time-stamped photographs of coach interiors and toilets will be taken at inspection points, as well as at originating and destination stations, to provide visual evidence of cleanliness standards.
Impact on Passenger Experience
By specifically targeting trains with extended travel times, Indian Railways aims to prevent the common decline in hygiene standards often observed after initial stops. The goal is to ensure that amenities remain functional and coaches stay clean until the final destination. The weekly tracking of passenger complaints and their resolution by zonal officers will directly link feedback to the performance evaluations of maintenance depots and housekeeping vendors, fostering greater accountability and responsiveness to passenger needs.