Patna Junction recently witnessed a large-scale cleanliness initiative as senior railway officials led a hands-on drive under the theme ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’. This effort, part of the nationwide voluntary ‘shramdaan’ initiative under Swachhata Pakhwada, aims to foster sustainable hygiene practices across India’s railway network from 17 September to 2 October.
Officials emphasised the significance of collaborative public participation in maintaining sanitary conditions at transport hubs. The campaign brought together railway staff, station vendors, volunteers, and passengers to sweep platforms, collect plastic waste, and promote responsible disposal practices, highlighting the railway’s commitment to creating zero net carbon and eco-friendly stations. Senior divisional commercial managers described the drive as an opportunity to raise awareness about proper hygiene, urging commuters to actively support the railway’s ongoing sanitation and sustainability initiatives. In addition to manual cleaning, the campaign leveraged posters, banners, and audio announcements to educate passengers on the importance of keeping station premises and surrounding areas neat and clean.
Railway officials overseeing the initiative stated that cleanliness is a shared responsibility and underlined that stations serve as critical public spaces where environmental awareness must be visible and actionable. By actively participating in the drive, officials demonstrated leadership and reinforced the message that eco-conscious practices are integral to modern transport infrastructure. Experts in sustainable transport noted that such drives not only enhance passenger experience but also contribute to long-term operational efficiency. Cleaner stations reduce maintenance costs, minimise environmental impact, and encourage responsible commuter behaviour, creating a culture of sustainability and gender-neutral public spaces accessible to all.
The initiative also highlighted the role of technology and communication in driving behavioural change. Audio announcements reminded passengers to avoid littering, while visual campaigns reinforced hygiene protocols, ensuring that both transient and daily commuters are engaged in maintaining station cleanliness. Patna Junction’s initiative serves as a model for other high-traffic stations across the country, demonstrating that combining voluntary staff participation with public engagement can achieve measurable improvements in sanitation standards. Officials confirmed that similar drives would continue across divisions, aligning with India’s broader commitment to sustainable urban transport and eco-conscious infrastructure development.
By actively integrating environmental responsibility into day-to-day operations, Indian Railways aims to create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable travel environments. Such campaigns reinforce the ethos that hygiene and sustainability are shared commitments, benefiting both the community and the nation’s transport ecosystem.
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