Indian Railways Launches Track-Clean Garbage System : In a landmark move to combat decades of track littering, Indian Railways has rolled out a comprehensive, mandatory waste management protocol across all zones. Issued by the Railway Board, this reform prohibits dumping garbage from trains, replacing chaotic practices with a structured, trackable system aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Indian Railways Launches Track-Clean Garbage System Core Mechanism:
- Collection & Storage: On-Board Housekeeping (OBHS) staff and pantry car teams will gather all onboard waste (from passengers, food wrappers to bio-hazards) during journeys. Waste is segregated where possible, packed into sealed, leak-proof bags, and stored in designated secure compartments to prevent spillage or unauthorized disposal.
- Offloading Protocol: Trains halt only at pre-nominated stations equipped with specialized disposal facilities (e.g., composting units, recycling hubs). These stations, mapped per route, ensure waste is handed over to authorized handlers for eco-friendly processing—zero tolerance for en-route dumping.
- Accountability Measures: Each bag is tagged with train details, timestamps, and staff IDs for full traceability. Violations trigger audits and penalties.
Implementation Roadmap:
- Training Drive: All OBHS and pantry personnel undergo hands-on demos, video modules, and certification. Awareness campaigns target passengers via onboard announcements and posters.
- Supervision & Monitoring: Commercial and mechanical department supervisors conduct spot checks, random inspections, and route-wise audits. Digital reporting apps will log compliance.
- Timeline & Feedback: Full rollout in Thiruvananthapuram division by December 2023; nationwide scaling within 3-6 months. Zones submit monthly challenge reports (e.g., staffing shortages, station upgrades) for iterative refinements.
- Tech Integration: Future phases may include RFID-tagged bins and AI-monitored waste volumes for data-driven improvements.
Expected Impact: This could slash track pollution by 70-80% (based on pilot data), enhance coach hygiene, reduce pest issues, and elevate passenger satisfaction on 13,000+ km of routes. Challenges like high-traffic enforcement remain, but with Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s backing, it’s poised to be Swachh Bharat’s rail flagship. Frequent travelers: Expect nudges toward “bin it, don’t fling it” culture—let’s make tracks trash-free!