A remarkable video showcasing the impeccable cleanliness of a railway station in Kerala has taken social media by storm, sparking widespread admiration and a conversation about public hygiene and civic duty.
A Viral Glimpse of Pristine Cleanliness
The clip, which has garnered significant attention, was filmed on January 3, 2026. Content creator Mubeena (Instagram handle @mubeena_ch_) recorded the scene from inside a slowly moving train passing through Thalassery railway station in Kerala. The continuous shot offers an unobstructed view of the entire platform, revealing floors that are shining clean, completely free of litter, waste, or any form of clutter.
From the pillars and signboards to the stalls and waiting areas, every corner of the station appears meticulously maintained. A text overlay on the video emphatically states, “Not a single piece of trash in the station,” capturing the essence of what viewers found so astonishing. In a playful caption accompanying the post, Mubeena added, “And no one robbed my phone while shooting this video,” humorously tagging the location as Kerala.
Netizens Applaud Civic Sense and Systemic Effort
The video rapidly went viral, with users across platforms applauding the evident high standards of cleanliness and public hygiene. Many pointed out that the impact was heightened because the footage was captured in motion, not as a staged or carefully framed still image, proving the cleanliness was consistent and genuine.
Social media reactions highlighted a blend of appreciation for both the system and the public. One user commented, “Let the civic sense stay there, the cleaning Staffs there are doing their job very well.” Another echoed a sentiment of shared responsibility, writing, “Its not only Government Responsible.. Its Everyone Responsibilities.”
The discussion also included comparative observations and personal anecdotes. A traveler noted, “I have Travelled across India, but Kerala railway stations feel much cleaner when compared to that of north. It’s actually a combination of both civic sense and system-level management, not just one factor.… and yeah, Vimal & gutka are banned here.” This comment underscores the role of specific policy measures alongside public cooperation.
Another user shared a telling incident: “Once a North Indian guy was chewing tobacco at the station in Kerala he threw that wrapper on the platform which was spotless and i know how much effort women workers at the station give to clean it. I got furious and told him to pick it up and throw it in the dustbin... he ignored but his friend told him to pick it up and throw in the dustbin and he did it.” This story vividly illustrates the active role of community peer pressure in upholding cleanliness norms.
Beyond the Video: A Model of Public Maintenance
The viral success of this short clip from Thalassery station points to a deeper yearning among citizens for clean, well-kept public infrastructure. It demonstrates that sustained cleanliness is achievable through a dual approach:
- Effective System-Level Management: Dedicated work by cleaning staff and efficient municipal or railway administration.
- Strong Civic Sense: A collective public commitment to not littering and respecting public spaces, often enforced by social norms.
The ban on products like gutka and tobacco in the state, as mentioned by a netizen, also plays a significant role in reducing a major source of public litter. The video stands as a powerful, positive example in the ongoing discourse around Swachh Bharat (Clean India), showing that spotless public spaces are not just an ideal but a practical reality in parts of the country. It challenges other regions to reflect on what combination of policy, enforcement, and public participation could replicate this success.
