Portable, high pressure machines, 10-min deadline: Railways boosts its clean train scheme

By | June 24, 2025
Railways clean train scheme team using high-pressure machine to clean coach in 10 minutes

Indian Railways has taken a big step toward improving hygiene across its network. It has upgraded the Clean Train Scheme by deploying portable high-pressure machines and setting a strict 10-minute deadline to clean each coach. These improvements aim to deliver cleaner journeys and boost passenger comfort.

Over 20 million people travel daily on India’s railway network. With this scale, keeping trains clean has always been a challenge. Now, Indian Railways wants to change that with faster, more efficient cleaning.

🧼 What Is the Clean Train Scheme?

Launched in 2008, the Clean Train Station (CTS) Scheme introduced the idea of mid-route cleaning. Long-distance trains would stop at key stations for quick cleaning. Teams would remove waste, clean toilets, and freshen up compartments.

However, the scheme saw mixed results across zones. Many passengers still reported dirty toilets and messy coaches. To fix this, Indian Railways has now modernized the system using new tools, stricter timelines, and better-trained workers.

💧 Powerful Machines for Faster Cleaning

One of the biggest changes is the use of portable high-pressure cleaning machines. These lightweight machines help staff clean tough stains, floors, and toilets much faster. Workers can move them easily and complete tasks in minutes.

These machines:

  • Use less water, which is vital in drought-prone areas.
  • Clean even hard-to-reach spots inside and outside coaches.
  • Support deep cleaning without delaying the train.

A Railway official explained that the goal is to clean one coach in just 10 minutes. Workers clean toilets, wipe the floors, dispose of litter, and sanitize compartments. This speed was not possible with older methods.

🕓 Why the 10-Minute Deadline Matters

The 10-minute deadline helps trains stay on schedule. Cleaning teams must act quickly and cover all areas within that time. New machines make it possible to clean without delays.

Railway supervisors now track every cleaning task through mobile apps. They record cleaning times, flag missed tasks, and make sure the system works well. Some stations even use QR codes and biometric tools to check staff attendance and performance.

🧍‍♂️ Training Staff for Better Results

To support this upgrade, Indian Railways is training over 10,000 workers. Training includes:

  • Safe use of machines.
  • Cleaning methods that save time.
  • Rules for waste disposal.
  • How to speak with passengers during cleaning.

Stations like Itarsi, Mughal Sarai, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar are early adopters. Reports show a 25% jump in cleanliness scores at these locations. That means visible results in a short time.

🌿 A Cleaner and Greener System

Indian Railways is not just cleaning better. It is also protecting the environment. Many cleaning hubs now use recycled water for washing coaches. Workers also use eco-friendly chemicals that don’t harm the soil or water systems.

Waste from compartments is sorted at stations. Plastic, paper, and food waste go into separate bins. Local authorities or NGOs then help with recycling or composting. These steps match the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission and India’s climate targets.

📱 How Technology Tracks Progress

To improve accountability, Railways now uses digital tools to monitor cleaning:

  • Supervisors take before-and-after photos of each coach.
  • Apps log coach numbers and cleaning duration.
  • Feedback systems let passengers rate cleanliness.

Passengers can also use the Rail Madad app or WhatsApp to report issues. They can send photos, give comments, or request coach cleaning. These reports go directly to local teams.

🚄 What’s Next for the Clean Train Scheme?

Indian Railways plans to expand this system to every zone. More stations will become cleaning hubs. In the next phase, officials may also introduce:

  • AI tools that spot dirty coaches using image recognition.
  • Robot cleaners for toilets and undercarriages.
  • Smart sensors inside coaches to detect overflow or maintenance needs.

These upgrades will make the system smarter, faster, and cleaner.

🚉 A Cleaner Ride for the Future

As more people choose trains over other travel modes, Indian Railways must offer better experiences. Clean coaches are no longer a bonus — they are a basic need. With high-pressure machines, trained staff, and better tools, the Railways Clean Train Scheme is becoming more effective.

Travelers can now expect a cleaner, safer, and more pleasant journey, no matter the route or distance.