In a significant move to enhance passenger comfort and maintain cleanliness, Indian Railways has introduced stringent new guidelines for waste disposal onboard trains. The Railway Board has issued detailed instructions to all Zonal Railways, emphasizing strict compliance mechanisms that could lead to contract termination for violators.
New Waste Management System for Trains
The Railway Board's recent directive reinforces a comprehensive mechanism where On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) and Pantry Car staff are now mandated to systematically collect garbage from passenger compartments throughout the journey. The collected waste must be disposed of in sealed bags at specifically designated stations along the route.
This initiative aims to maintain cleanliness not only within train coaches and toilets but also across railway infrastructure. The system represents a significant upgrade from previous practices and focuses on creating a more hygienic travel environment for millions of daily passengers.
Strict Compliance and Consequences
The Railway Board has established a rigorous compliance framework that leaves no room for negligence. Licensees of OBHS and Pantry Car services will receive formal counseling on these new guidelines, with any violation being treated as a major breach of contract.
According to the official statement, "Any violation will be treated as a major breach of contract, initiating termination proceedings against the defaulting parties." This strict approach underscores Indian Railways' commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the new waste management system.
Training and Equipment for Frontline Staff
Recognizing the crucial role of onboard staff in delivering a comfortable journey experience, the Railway Board has directed Zonal Railways to provide adequate training and equipment to contractual staff members. These frontline workers are expected to contribute significantly to passenger comfort and safety by maintaining clean, waste-free environments in coaches and toilets.
The Board emphasized that properly trained and equipped staff reflect the spirit of service that Indian Railways aims to deliver to its passengers. This human-centric approach complements the technical aspects of the new waste management system.
This latest initiative builds upon earlier instructions issued in July 2024, which outlined a system for mandatory en-route garbage disposal. The comprehensive approach includes conducting work studies to assess garbage generation patterns, fixing minimum disposal targets at designated stations, and entering this data into a centralized management system for effective monitoring.
