All railway zones across India have launched a 15-day cleanliness drive, ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’, at their respective stations and offices, following directives from Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar.

Kumar inaugurated the campaign at Ajmeri Gate, New Delhi Railway Station, administering a Swachhata Pledge to officers and staff and participating in voluntary labour (‘shramdan’) to enhance station cleanliness. The fortnight-long initiative, observed annually since 2017, aims to strengthen collective action for sanitation and exemplifies a ‘Whole of Society’ and ‘Whole of Government’ approach.

The campaign will conclude on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas, and features activities to encourage hygiene and environmental responsibility. Workshops, Safai Mitra Suraksha Camps, marathons, cyclothons, walkathons, tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, Swachhata Samvaads, door-to-door awareness, and the Clean Food Initiative will be undertaken.

Northern Railway officers received the Swachhata pledge at Baroda House, while Jammu Rail Division conducted awareness initiatives at stations including Katra and Srinagar. Demonstrations on pantry and utensil hygiene, inspections of waste disposal systems, and community volunteer drives are planned throughout the fortnight.