The Railway Ministry on Saturday rolled out a reform to improve cleanliness in long-distance trains by deploying tech-enabled, professional teams onboard.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railway Minister, said all coaches, including general class, will now be cleaned as needed, with clear responsibility and accountability for service providers. The teams will be trained to proactively exceed passenger expectations.
Previously, under the Clean Train Station scheme, trains were cleaned only at designated stops. The new system ensures cleaning throughout the journey at hourly intervals or as required. Real-time monitoring, feedback, and performance management will be supported by technology.
Services will cover coach interiors, toilets and basins, garbage collection, minor repairs, water refilling, and status checks on safety equipment, all managed by trained supervisors and staff. Cleaning frequency will be adjusted based on peak and off-peak hours, and “war rooms” will oversee operations using technology. Initially, 80 trains will implement the system, with plans to expand nationwide based on outcomes.
In addition, Vaishnaw announced reforms to boost the Railways’ freight business. Spare railway land will be developed for cargo-related facilities including warehouses, processing units, and aggregation centers. Underutilized godowns will be converted into Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, and the process for integrating sidings and private freight terminals into these hubs has been simplified.
The policy also introduces a framework for dispute prevention, with simplified resolution procedures and powers delegated to Divisional Railway Managers.
