The Railway Board has issued detailed instructions to all Zonal Railways on the systematic management and disposal of garbage generated on trains during their journey. The move aims to improve cleanliness levels and enhance the overall travel experience of passengers.

Under the revised guidelines, On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) and pantry car staff must collect waste from passenger compartments and dispose of it in sealed bags at designated stations en route. The system is designed to ensure cleaner coaches, toilets and railway premises.

A major focus of the directive is the role of on-board staff in creating a comfortable and hygienic travel environment. Zonal Railways have been tasked with training and equipping contractual staff adequately, reinforcing a service-oriented approach.

To ensure effective implementation, the Railway Board has ordered a month-long ‘Samvaad’ sensitisation exercise across all trains. Senior supervisors and officers from the Commercial and Mechanical Departments will conduct sessions to explain the importance of waste management, address staff concerns and screen instructional videos on correct disposal practices.

Divisions will submit feedback to the Principal Chief Commercial Manager and Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer at the Zonal level. A consolidated report will then be forwarded to the Railway Board within 10 days of the exercise’s completion.

The Board has also mandated strict compliance from OBHS and pantry car licensees. Any violation of the guidelines will be treated as a major breach of contract and may result in termination.

This initiative builds on earlier instructions issued in July 2024, which introduced mandatory en-route garbage disposal, minimum waste-bag requirements and centralised monitoring through the CRIS CMM system. Through a combination of firm enforcement and staff engagement, Indian Railways aims to strengthen hygiene, enhance passenger comfort and support the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission.