Railways to launch nation wide cleanliness campaign

Indian Railways Thursday said it will be launching a massive special cleanliness campaign on Oct 2, coinciding with 'Gandhi Jayanti'.

According to Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, the entire fraternity of more than 13 lakh railway employees will be involved in this campaign which will include cleanliness activities.

Gowda said directions have already been issued to all zonal railways, public sector undertakings and production units to request all officers and staff to participate in the cleanliness activity or in spreading awareness.

The railway minister said he has also requested other ministers and members of parliament to participate and lead the campaign at any of the stations of their choice within their constituency.

The railways will also use electronic media and newspaper advertisements to spread awareness about the campaign.

The railways further said it will utilise more mechanised cleaning gadgets. Contracts are also given for supply of machines like scrubbers and high pressure jet cleaners.

Another unique feature, the minister said, will be that all newly-manufactured coaches will be fitted with bio-toilets before they are turned out by 2016-17 and all existing in-service coaches by 2021-22.