Indian Railways Boosts Cleanliness with Jet Machines
Indian Railways is launching a game-changing cleaning initiative at 20 major railway stations starting this year, aiming to ensure every train is cleaner, safer and more hygienic within just ten minutes. The move is part of a larger national push to modernise public transport and elevate the standards of cleanliness for millions of passengers.
Under its renewed Clean Train Station (CTS) programme, Indian Railways has introduced battery-operated, high-pressure jet cleaners and portable vacuum systems designed to deliver swift, mechanised cleaning — even during short halts. The mechanisation drive will target 683 trains initially, focusing on services that pause for 10 minutes or longer at these designated stations. The upgraded system reflects Indian Railways’ broader ambition to deliver modern, sustainable and passenger-friendly services in line with India’s Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat missions. It marks a departure from conventional cleaning methods, which often struggled with manpower constraints and inefficiencies, especially during tight train schedules.
In the new setup, cleaning staff will be equipped with backpack-style high-pressure jet systems and compact vacuum cleaners. Each worker will also wear specially designed uniforms with multiple pockets — holding brushes, spray bottles, and chemical cleaners — for a hands-free, agile approach. This on-the-go toolkit not only improves time management but also elevates the dignity and efficiency of cleaning personnel, many of whom work under difficult conditions. The initiative is being launched in eight key railway zones and will cover bustling terminals including Patna, Varanasi and Old Delhi. These stations witness high passenger traffic and frequent train stoppages, making them ideal testing grounds for the rapid cleaning protocol. If successful, the model is expected to be replicated across hundreds of other stations nationwide.
Officials at Indian Railways say the goal is simple — maintain consistent levels of hygiene onboard, particularly in general and sleeper class coaches, where passengers often complain about soiled floors, unclean toilets and overflowing bins. With this fast-track cleaning mechanism, railway authorities aim to significantly reduce visible waste, unpleasant odours, and overall passenger discomfort. This cleanliness overhaul isn’t merely a cosmetic upgrade. It’s also linked to wider public health concerns, especially in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent sanitisation, reduced manual waste handling, and surface disinfection are crucial for reducing viral and bacterial contamination in shared public spaces like trains.
The technology-enabled solution is also being pitched as a sustainable intervention. Battery-operated machines reduce reliance on diesel or electricity-heavy systems, thereby contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, with quicker turnaround times, trains spend less time idle on tracks, improving network efficiency and reducing operational delays. From an employment perspective, the programme also represents a subtle yet significant shift towards dignified and better-equipped sanitation work. Railway officials have acknowledged that the visual representation of sanitation workers — with smart uniforms and organised equipment — is vital for changing public perceptions around the essential service they provide. Railways Minister and zonal heads are reportedly monitoring the rollout closely, with plans to collect passenger feedback and performance metrics over the coming months. Real-time monitoring tools may be deployed to track cleaning cycles, staff movements, and machine usage to ensure the initiative stays effective and accountable.
The move comes at a time when Indian Railways is under increased public and political pressure to improve passenger experience, especially as it positions itself as a backbone of urban and intercity mobility. From Vande Bharat to freight corridors, the push for modernisation is no longer limited to trains alone — it now firmly includes the environment in which they operate. At a macro level, the CTS upgrade strengthens India’s urban transport sustainability goals. Efficient sanitation, coupled with decentralised waste collection and fast-cleaning protocols, plays a foundational role in building future-ready cities. Especially in high-density urban rail networks, cleanliness and comfort are no longer luxuries — they are non-negotiable rights.
For India’s over 20 million daily railway passengers, these ten-minute clean-ups may seem small, but they carry the weight of a massive shift in approach. By investing in cleaner trains, Indian Railways is not just scrubbing out dirt — it is laying tracks for a cleaner, more equitable travel culture across the country.
