Indian Railways sets Target for Bio-Toilet Installations in Trains

Indian Railways sets Target for Bio-Toilet Installations in Trains

Pune: The railway board has taken up the task of ensuring all railway coaches meet this financial year’s target of installing bio-toilets in coaches. Zonal railway offices will be required to submit monthly progress reports to the board.

In Pune division, 475 bio toilets have been installed in 156 coaches. Besides, a ‘clean my coach’ SMS facility has been successfully started on Pune-Jammutavi-Jhelum express. Officials say they get about 50 SMSs every day.

Discharge on tracks is an environmental concern and creates problem for railway workmen. The environment-friendly toilets are expected to ensure zero discharge on tracks. While all new coaches are now fitted with bio-toilets, the existing ones have been retrofitted.

In his maiden budget speech in February, railway minister Suresh Prabhu had said that the railways intend to install 17,000 more bio-toilets in coaches this year. The minister said the railways have already installed over 17,300 such toilets.

While the target is for installing 17,000 units, the zonal railways had placed demands for only over 8,800 units, as per a circular issued by the railway board in the month of July. The board has advised railways and production units to take necessary steps for exceeding the target of 17,000 toilets. It has also asked zonal offices to expedite the procurement process and finish installation work at the earliest.

The ‘clean my coach’ SMS facility has been well received in Pune. Posters have been put in all coaches of Jhelum express. If a cleaning facility is required, the passenger has to dial the PNR number and send it to 56677. The on board house keeping services is expected to respond quickly. After the work is done, the passenger receives a code number, which he has to send back to 56677 to confirm the work is done. Railway officials said the facility will be extended to other trains too.

The Jhelum express has been provided with garbage disposal facility. Railway officials said it is helping them keep the coaches clean.