The Railway Board has issued detailed guidelines to all Zonal Railways to improve the systematic collection and disposal of garbage during train journeys. Under the revised protocol, On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) teams and pantry car staff must collect waste across coaches and deposit it in sealed bags at designated stations en route. The directive reinforces consistent cleanliness standards to enhance passenger comfort.

A key part of the initiative is a one-month ‘Samvaad’ exercise, during which senior supervisors and officers from the Commercial and Mechanical Departments will directly engage with on-board staff. These sessions will sensitise teams on hygiene practices, demonstrate waste-management procedures through instructional videos, and emphasise their role in supporting the Swachh Bharat Mission. Divisions must share feedback with zonal PCCMs and PCMEs, who will consolidate reports for the Railway Board.

Zonal Railways have been instructed to provide adequate training and equipment to contractual housekeeping and catering staff. The Board has also tightened compliance norms: OBHS and pantry car licensees will be formally counselled, and any violation will be treated as a serious contractual breach, potentially leading to termination.

The guidelines build on instructions issued in July 2024, which mandated en-route waste disposal, assessment of garbage generation, and digital monitoring through the CRIS CMM system. The strengthened framework aims to deliver cleaner coaches, safer environments, and an improved travel experience for passengers.