Indian Railways announces major overhaul in train operations; check what will change

Indian Railways has announced a significant overhaul of onboard cleanliness rules to improve the passenger experience on long-distance trains, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. 

The new system will introduce tech-enabled professional cleaning teams deployed onboard, rather than relying solely on cleaning at designated stations, as under the existing Clean Train Station scheme.

Under the reform, all coaches, including general class, will be cleaned as and when needed throughout the journey, instead of being serviced only at selected stops. 

The cleaning frequency will reportedly be managed in real time, with hourly intervals or more often if required, based on peak and non-peak hours. ‘War rooms’ will use technology to monitor the cleaning process and ensure accountability.

The new onboard services will cover a wide range of tasks, including cleaning of coaches, toilets, basins and garbage collection, performing minor repairs, coordinating water refilling, and checking and reporting the status of safety equipment. 

Real-time monitoring, feedback collection and performance management will be enabled through technological tools.

Initially, 80 trains have been selected to implement the reform. Based on operational experience and feedback, the system may be expanded across the wider Indian Railways network.

In addition to cleanliness reform, Vaishnaw also outlined plans to strengthen the Railways’ freight business by developing cargo-related infrastructure on spare railway land. This includes warehouses, processing units and upgraded godowns to become Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals. 

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A dispute prevention and resolution framework has also been introduced to simplify freight policy implementation.

Railways officials expect that the twin reforms will boost both passenger comfort and freight efficiency, addressing two key priorities for the national transporter.