Railways to Up its Cleanliness Game with Onboard Tech-Powered Cleaners

The Railway Ministry on Saturday announced a reform to improve cleanliness in long-distance trains by deploying professional, tech-enabled teams onboard. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the initiative will ensure all coaches , including general class, are cleaned as required, with clear accountability for service providers.

Under the new system, cleaning will no longer be limited to designated stations. Trained staff will maintain coaches throughout the journey, carrying out hourly cleaning or as needed. Services include toilets and basins, garbage collection, minor repairs, water refilling, and monitoring of safety equipment. Supervisors will oversee operations, while real-time technology will support performance monitoring and passenger feedback.

“Cleaning frequency will be adjusted based on peak and non-peak hours. War rooms will monitor the process using technology,” Vaishnaw added. The reform will first be implemented on 80 trains , with plans to expand to the entire long-distance fleet based on outcomes.

In a related move, Vaishnaw outlined plans to develop cargo-related facilities on railway land. Underutilised spaces will be transformed into Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals , including warehouses, processing units, and aggregation centres, aimed at boosting the Railways’ freight business. The policy also simplifies the migration of private sidings and freight terminals into these terminals and introduces a framework for dispute resolution , with powers delegated to Divisional Railway Managers.

The initiative marks a step forward in enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency, combining professional manpower with technology-driven oversight.