Today's Cancelled Trains
NGO
08:53
Swachhata Hi Sewa -Swachhata Pakhwada -Join Hands with Railways In Cleanliness Drive
Swachhata Hi Sewa -Swachhata Pakhwada -Join Hands with Railways In Cleanliness Drive
Source:Eastern Railway
Showing posts with label cleanliness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleanliness. Show all posts
Sunday, 23 September 2018
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
Western Railway
07:58
Western Railway AHU Dust Collection System -
Western Railway AHU Dust Collection System -
Western Railway
15 September
WR has developed a unique AHU dust collection system which prevents environmental pollution & improves quality of air inside coaches of local trains besides creating a hygienic working atmosphere for the maintenance staff.
Source:Western Railway
Sunday, 1 April 2018
Friday, 8 July 2016
National Green Tribunal
07:20
Railways moves to NGT for removal of slum clusters
Railways moves to NGT for removal of slum clusters
Railway Ministry blames Delhi State Government for the mess, moves NGT for removal of slum clusters. Railway ministry has alleged non-cooperation from the DUSIB, and further said the “only permanent” solution for maintaining cleanliness on tracks is the rehabilitation of slums clusters.
New Delhi: Under attack from the National Green Tribunal for failure to keep the tracks clean, the Railways has sought to shift the blame on Delhi government for not relocating slum clusters from its land by allotting them flats despite directions of the green panel.
Alleging non-cooperation by the Delhi government and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), the PSU behemoth has said the “only permanent” solution for maintaining sustained cleanliness on tracks is their rehabilitation.
Railways moved an application before a bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar alleging that despite the fact that five out of six slum clusters have already been surveyed, DUSIB has not shifted them till date.
In its plea, the Railways said “it is submitted that DUSIB is constantly trying to defeat the laudable object and also orders of the tribunal by insisting upon the new policy which is not in existence and is only pending consideration.”
The NGT had two days ago directed Railways to strictly impose a fine of Rs 5,000 on those defecating or throwing waste on tracks and act against them effectively.
It had also castigated the Railways and other authorities for “definite negligence” and “intentional lack of will” to implement its order issued last year when it had imposed a cost of Rs 5 lakh on the Railways for its failure to keep tracks and platforms in New Delhi clean.
The railways, in its plea, said “as large amount of municipal solid waste is being generated continuously by slum clusters, little success has been achieved in maintaining sustained cleanliness near tracks on the stretches where large Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters are existing. The only permanent solution for maintaining sustained cleanliness on tracks is to get JJ clusters removed.
It blamed DUSIB for not shifting the identified JJ clusters “despite specific orders.” These clusters along a 7 km stretch in Dayabasti/Azadpur area of North Delhi which were “identified to be taken up first for removal”.
It contended that in compliance to the directions of NGT, the Railways had approached Delhi Police and Delhi government for appointment of a joint team for collection of fines. The Delhi Police has deputed a team for the purpose but no representative of the Delhi government was available.
“In fact, it was only on July 1 that the Delhi government has appointed a nodal officer for the purpose. The railways would like to submit that such delays on part of other stakeholders is leading to not only loss of initiatives undertaken by the department but also weakens the thrust of all other actions taken by it,” it said.
Advocate Om Prakash, representing Railways, said the department had already paid Rs 11.25 crore to DUSIB in 2003-2004 for rehabilitation of 4,410 jhuggies from railway land.
“However, only 297 jhuggies have been removed till date. The NGT had directed DUSIB on March 18, 2015 that the balance amount of money should be utilised for rehabilitation of jhuggies from these identified six clusters and they should be removed within six months,” he said.
Railways also contended that its stand with respect to Delhi Slum and JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy 2015 of not being able to contribute “either by way of land or by money” is consistent with the stand of Railways on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
“It is submitted that under the basis of any slum development policy, it is the city which draws benefit from this situation and therefore under such policies, implementation has been made the responsibility of the state government,” it said.
The PSU behemoth has further alleged that there is defecation in open by the slum dwellers in and around the tracks for which DUSIB was directed to provide mobile toilets near the custers.
“Railway has already given NOC for 21 locations which was asked for by the DUSIB. However, there is little progress on the elimination or reduction in open defecation in these areas,” it claimed.
The Railways also sought waiver on NGT’s direction to pay a fine of Rs five lakh for its failure to keep tracks and platforms in New Delhi station clean.
Regarding the green panel’s order of strict implementation of Rs 5,000 fine on those defecating on the tracks or throwing waste there, it said it “continues to suffer … despite having made efforts to contain the problem through imposition of the environment fine as directed by the tribunal. The squatters have not paid the fine as yet.”
Source:Railnews
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Narendra Modi
07:43
Nagpur, Surat tops the race of Cleanest Railway stations in the country
Nagpur, Surat tops the race of Cleanest Railway stations in the country
New Delhi: Nagpur station on Central Railway was declared the ‘most clean’ station on CR’s network during a ceremony held at CST on Tuesday as part of 61st Railway Week celebrations.
In a statement, CR authorities said ‘the Best Station for cleanliness was won by Nagpur station of Nagpur Division and Best Kept Garden at Station was won by Lonavala station of Mumbai Division’.
Incidentally, Solapur was the only station of CR in the top 10 list of clean stations as per the Assessment of Cleanliness at Major Stations report submitted by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
Surat is the cleanest railway station in the country, followed by Rajkot and Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), according to an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation survey released.
However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency Varanasi’s railway station ranked poorly in terms of cleanliness as it stood at 65, among the 75 A-1 railway stations (those earning revenue more than Rs. 50 crore) surveyed. The survey, conducted based on feedback from around 1.34 lakh passengers, is a part of Modi’s pet project ‘Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan’.
The survey was conducted at 407 railway stations, which included 75 A-1 stations and 332 A-category stations. Around 40 per cent of all the stations surveyed fared average in terms of cleanliness.
Solapur was ranked 4th among the larger A1 category stations with Western Railway’s Surat station coming in first. The only CR station in the A category list in the assessment report was Nashik at number 6. Nagpur was not even among the top 10 on the list.
The report was the outcome of a survey carried out between January 16 and February 5, 2016 by asking 1,34,654 passengers to rate cleanliness at 407 railway stations nationwide. Railways had called this survey the biggest cleanliness assessment ever carried out on the Indian Railways ever.
Railways to privatise cleanliness work at Jalandhar station
With the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) listing the Jalandhar city and cantonment railway stations for poor arrangements in the terms of cleanliness in its recent survey, the Ferozepur division of the railways has planned a complete makeover of the stations for better results in the next survey.
Division railway manager (DRM), Ferozepur division, Anuj Prakash told HT that the cleanliness work of the railway stations would be outsourced in the three-four months. “Though the process has been started, we are facing some technical difficulties,” said Prakash.
Beas was the only railway station in the Ferozepur division that was classified in the A1 category in the survey conducted by IRCTC under ‘Swachh Rail-Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and Surat was the cleanest railway station in the country.
Admitting that the employees have failed to improve railway stations in terms of cleanliness, officials said that outsourcing is the need of the hour. Officials said they had outsourced the cleanliness work at Jammu railway station in February and Ludhiana and Amritsar in March and the results were positive.
“When we recently visited the Amritsar railway station, we got good feedback from passengers,” said a railway official.
In the survey that was conducted in January and February, 75 A1 stations and 332 category A stations were taken in account across the country. The survey was based on passengers’ feedback. The passengers were asked to rate the cleanliness of the railway station on 40 parameters.
Source:RailNews
Friday, 11 March 2016
irctc news
21:14
Salient Features of ‘Clean My Coach Service’
Salient Features of ‘Clean My Coach Service’
'Clean My Coach' is an innovative passenger-centric initiative to ensure quick availability of on board services in a train. The OBHS Request Automation System has been developed to facilitate real time on Board Housekeeping Service. The system is primarily a direct requesting service for passengers to use via SMS, for onboard cleaning service of train. Through this system, the passenger sends SMS CLEAN to 58888. The centralised computer server, acknowledges the request & sends an electronic-generated 4 digit code to the passenger. Simultaneously, the request is also forwarded to the on Board Housekeeping Supervisor. The request is attended by on-Board Housekeeping staff & the 4 digit code is requested back from the passenger by the service providing personnel. The onboard staff sends back the code to the designated number & the system closes the request. Another Feedback message is also sent to the passenger for electronically sending direct feedback. Thus, the requests of travelling passengers are quickly addressed using a closed-loop, quick-response & at the same time through a cost-effective system. The system can be assessed using any basic mobile phone. The system, apart from ensuring quick service to the travelling customers, also enables close monitoring of the working of on-board cleaning services.
Monday, 29 February 2016
travellers
10:52
Blankets in Trains Washed Once in Two Months, Evoke Scare
Blankets in Trains Washed Once in Two Months, Evoke Scare
BENGALURU: The admission made by Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha in the Rajya Sabha on blankets in trains being washed only once every two months has evoked responses of shock among regular train travellers in Bengaluru.
The Bengaluru Railway Division asserts that the blankets are washed once every month in line with the guidelines laid down by the Railway Board. Blankets have a lifespan of just four years and cannot be washed every day, officials say.
Here is a sampler of responses from travellers in a/c compartments who are provided these facilities: “My God, this is very scary. I always carry my own pillow, bed cover and blanket when travelling by Mysore Express to Madurai once every three weeks. I generally use the blanket provided by the Railways as a footrest only. I will stop doing that too,” said Robby Nathaniel, manager in a telecom firm.
Manjari Ghosh says, “Going by the smell that emanates from the blankets, most people know, at the back of their mind, that it is not washed frequently. I guess we put up with it since you cannot always carry your blankets.”
This observant marketing manager states that she suspected they were not frequently washed as linen and pillow covers were generally taken away by the housekeeping staff on board while blankets were replaced at the spot from where they were taken.
However, she admitted that the information rattled her. “I was worried only about the cockroaches frequenting the compartments. I thought the blanket would be washed once every two or three weeks but once every two months is shocking.”
Rajib Chowdhury, a frequent traveller by 3-tier A/C to Kolkata, said he has always had a pleasant experience during his journeys and felt that the linen and blanket provided were always fresh. “This could be ignorance on my part,” he said adding that he will be careful in future. “It is the dirty coaches that bother me more,” Chowdhury added.
‘Blankets Washed Once a Month’
Parimal Shinde, Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer, Bangalore Division, said, “Blankets are washed once every month, which is line with the guidelines issued by the Railway Board. A woollen blanket actually lasts four years.”
Divisional Railway Manager Sanjiv Agarwal said, “A linen bedsheet is always provided with the blanket. Passengers drape themselves in the bedsheet and place the blanket on top of it.” This ensures they are only in contact with the daily washed sheet, he added.
Source :The New Indian Express
Thursday, 25 February 2016
Show Political Will and raise Passenger Fare: ASSOCHAM
Show Political Will and raise Passenger Fare: ASSOCHAM
New Delhi: Ahead of the Railway Budget, industry body ASSOCHAM today asked Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to muster political courage and go in for a hike in the passenger fares, saying they have been kept low at the cost of freight traffic.
“There is lack of political will to raise passenger fares even though the reluctance is not shared by passengers, who would be willing to pay more provided the hike is accompanied by better services including timely arrival of trains, cleanliness at stations, safety and improvement in food,” the chamber said a memorandum to the Railway Minister.
It said the fare increase would reduce the drastic losses on passenger traffic, now running at 68 per cent of passenger earnings.
“Passenger losses (including suburban and non-suburban) have grown from 72 per cent of social obligation cost borne by the railways in F1975 to 95 per cent in F2014. The decline in passenger losses would also have a significant positive impact on railways’ finances.
“It might also enable the railways to stop whittling away their financial cost advantage over roads as a mode of transport, by creating the potential to reduce the over-recoveries on freight to make up for the under-recovery in the passenger segment,” ASSOCHAM said. Due to high freight charges, railway’s market share in freight has eroded.
This year’s Railway Budget is focused on ‘Transforming Indian Railways – to transform modern India’ and has identified ‘short and immediate term wins’ and is on track for a ‘medium term’ revival plan. With many fresh ideas, this transformational Budget signals that railways are firmly on track to becoming a unique integrator of India’s growth story: Rana Kapoor, President ASSOCHAM
The total share of railways in the total transportation of freight traffic has declined from 89 per cent in 1950-51 to 36 per cent in 2007-08. At present, more than 65 per cent of the earnings of Indian Railways come from freight and around 25 per cent from passengers.
Assocham asked the Minister to speed up the public-private partnership (PPP) model for modernisation of railway stations. Mr. Prabhu had announced in his last Budget that the government will modernise 400 railway stations.
AK Agarwal, Chairman of ASSOCHAM National Council on Railway said the freight rates are used to cross-subsidise the passenger fares and this should be minimised.
The chamber has also sought removal of anomalies in the freight tariff and other charges for specific industries like aluminum, steel and iron ore.
It has sought removal of port congestion charges on aluminium industry related commodities such as alumina, bauxite, CP coke, caustic, furnace oil and coal.
Similarly, it said, the classification of these commodities should also be changed to bring the freight burden down on the crisis hit sectors.
Moreover, ASSOCHAM said, the modernisation of stations in the PPP model should be speeded up and the Swachch Bharat be implemented in all earnest in trains and the stations.
The focus of the Budget is on enhancing customer experience and improving operating efficiency, while according greater transparency and accountability to operations of Indian Railways by means of innovative technological solutions. It budgets an increase of funds to the tune of 67% for passenger amenities and 52% for plan spending. Further, the operating ratio is targeted to improve to a 9-year low of 88.5% in FY16.
The Railway minister has clearly identified IRCTC – the most successful public e-commerce venture as the central platform for introducing state-of-the-art initiatives such as SMS alerts, e-catering, disposable bed rolls. The Budget through focus on design & innovation led improvements, echoes the Government’s multifaceted ‘inclusive development’ agenda by furthering programs of ‘Make in India’, ‘Swachch Bharat’ and ‘Digital India’.
By laying down the foundation for reviving investment through augmentation of capacity, the Rail Budget also demonstrates growth focus of the Government. Towards this, an allocation of INR 961 billion for doubling, tripling, quadrupling work and electrification has been made.
The Rail Budget proposes self-sustainability and improved financial health, by creating fresh avenues of long-term financing via a revamped PPP model, investments from insurance and pension funds, monetization of surplus land resources, tendering through EPC process, to meet the envisaged investment requirement of Rs 8.5 lakh crore over the next five years
Fare hike is risky and dangerous, but there is just no other option. The mad rush in Mumbai’s local trains is a nightmare for commuters. With over double the number of passengers squeezed during peak hours, the biggest demand in the budget this year is for more trains for a decent commute.
“Students like us suffer because of crowds and to stop this, we need more coaches,” said a ‘Mumbaikar’ when asked about his commuting experience in the local trains. For senior citizens, the struggle for space is even more exhausting. “I am 73 and during peak hours it’s very difficult. A separate coach for senior citizens should be provided along with those dedicated for the specially-abled,” said a commuter. And women commuters demand the number of ladies’ compartments be increased.
Mumbai’s suburban railway network carries over 75 lakh people daily. Shockingly, since 2001, 51,000 such people have lost their lives. On an average, 3,400 passengers are killed on Mumbai’s tracks annually.
“Every day 10 commuters are dying on tracks due to overflowing trains. Today, in a train they are packing commuters of 10 to 15 stations. In 3 stations that train is packed. It makes no sense,” said Deepak Gandhi, former President of the Mumbai Suburban Railway Passengers’ Association.
Pointing out a solution to overcrowding, Mr Gandhi had recommended that the railway authorities introduce a cyclic timetable format. A method based on three key principles – limited loading, uniform frequency and clearing traffic sector-wise. This, however, has not been implemented yet.
Local trains are called Mumbai’s lifeline and for good reason. Mumbai is the only Indian city where millions depend on the local train and yet commuters complain that travelling conditions have hardly seen any significant improvement over the years. The Railway Minister is from Mumbai and understands this pressing issue, but will his budget bring some cheer for the city? That remains to be seen.
Monday, 9 November 2015
train accident
08:42
kayakalp Council looked at approaches towards achieving greater hygiene and cleanliness and causes for accidents on account of manual failures.
kayakalp Council looked at approaches towards achieving greater hygiene and cleanliness and causes for accidents on account of manual failures.
4th Meeting of “Kayakalp” (Innovation Council of Indian Railways) held
In its 4th Meeting held in New Delhi today, the 6th November, 2015, under the Chairmanship of Shri Ratan Tata, “Kayakalp” (Innovation Council of Indian Railways) discussed safety issues and attempted to identify the causes for accidents on account of manual failures.
The Council looked at approaches towards achieving greater hygiene and cleanliness on railway facilities such as stations.
The Council also examined customer focus of the Indian Railways at present and ways to make the organization more customer friendly. All Members agreed on Railways’ need to address customer needs in a more visible and effective manner.
Thursday, 15 October 2015
Western Railway
07:41
Swachh Bharat: 29 Central, 11 Western Railway stations adopted to ensure cleanliness
Swachh Bharat: 29 Central, 11 Western Railway stations adopted to ensure cleanliness
MUMBAI: With an aim to keep the stations neat and clean, 29 and 11 stations of Central and Western Railway respectively have been adopted by different social, non-governmental organisations and charitable institutes.
The move by the organisations is aimed at meeting the target of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
The adoption of station by charitable institutions, social organisations and NGOs is a new concept initiated under 'Swachh Rail - Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' of Indian Railways initiated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, the Railways said in a statement.
"To get the 'Swachh rail' actualised, prominent charitable Institutions, social organisations and NGOs were contacted by Central and Western Railways regarding adoption of stations and support in taking forward the campaign with active participation of its volunteers/social workers.
"Matunga station has been adopted by Welinkgar Institute, Vadala Road station by Vidyalankar Institute and Dadar station by Nerolac Paints. Apart from this, cleaning drive has already been started at GTB Nagar, Nahur, Chembur, Kanjurmarg, Vidyavihar, Kings Circle, Bhandup and Ghatkopar stations with the initiative by various institutes and organisations," it said.
Rotary International has come forward by accepting the challenge to fulfil the social cause by adopting various stations of Central and Western Railway (WR).
Yesterday, Rotary International District 3140 adopted eight stations - Thane, Dombivali, Govandi and Mankhurd of Central Railway (CR) and Borivali, Kandivali, Bandra and Khar Road of Western Railway.
"Rotary is involved in series of humanitarian efforts and it is in sync with various initiatives proposed by PM Narendra Modi," a volunteer with the organisation said.
"Through these proactive efforts of the Central and Western Railway authorities and the Rotary, we expect a face-lift of the stations, cleaner and healthier toilet blocks, awareness to the travelling public on various health and safety issues and a high sense of belonging to the commuters towards the public property," a senior officer of the Central Railways said.
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Safety and security
07:45
Indian Railway to continue Swachh Bharat mission till March 2016
Indian Railway to continue Swachh Bharat mission till March 2016
MADURAI: Indian Railways will continue the ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission till March 2016, when ‘Sardar Patel United Clean India Drive’ would be implemented, with focus on cleanliness at stations, hospitals and office premises, a senior official said here today.
The focus would be on stations from October 11 to 31, followed by railway colonies from December 16 to 31 and Railway Hospitals from February 15 to 28. Later systematic efforts would be taken to achieve sustained cleanliness and improvement in the environment, Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Kumar Garg said, quoting Railway board chairman’s communique.
Speaking to reporters here today, he said a larger section of staff and public would be involved in the cleanliness drive and uncovered areas also would be taken up in a phased manner.
He also said the Safety Commissioner was expected to inspect the Pollachi-Palghat Broad Gauge conversion work on October 5 and 6. If clearance was received, trains bound for Gujarat, Maharashtra and Mangalore could be operated through this section.
This would reduce the distance between Madurai and Mangalore and other states, including Maharashtra and Gujarat, considerably by about 100 to 150 km, he said.
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
Railway Minister
23:01
Integrated Management of Housekeeping in Indian Railways
Integrated Management of Housekeeping in Indian Railways
Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has always been emphasizing on further improving cleanliness in the Indian Railway system. He included this in the Railway Budget announcements also. To implement the budgetary announcement, Ministry of Railways has formed an exclusive wing for an integrated management of all housekeeping activities of passenger interface of Indian Railways both in trains as well as at Railway Stations. This has been named as Environment & Housekeeping Management Directorate. This was created after incorporating certain administrative and structural changes.
Presently, the housekeeping activities of coaching trains and major Railway stations are being managed by three different Departments of Indian Railways. This has posed limitations in improving the standards of Housekeeping. Also, best skills and expertise available in this profession could not be deployed for meeting the requirements of Housekeeping of trains and major stations, which is a core and sensitive area in Rail Passenger service. The unification of the Management of Housekeeping activities will help in thereby synergizing the efforts as well as inputs for achieving the best results in this regard.
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
West Central Railway
18:29
West Central Railway Zone Becomes the First Zone on Indian Railways to Eliminate all Unmanned Level Crossings from its System
West Central Railway Zone Becomes the First Zone on Indian Railways to Eliminate all Unmanned Level Crossings from its System
The West-Central Railway (Headquarter: Jabalpur) Zone has become the first Railway Zone on Indian Railways to eliminate all unmanned level crossings from its system by 31st August, 2015. Out of total 118 unmanned level crossings falling on West-Central Railways as on 1st April, 2014, 80 were eliminated in the financial year 2014-15 and the target of 66 and the remaining 38 have been achieved in current financial year by 31st August, 2015. This could only be achieved by constructing 33 Limited Height Sub Ways (LHs) and manning of 30 level crossings. It is a big safety initiative.
It can be termed as a great success for West-Central Railway. West-Central Railway has been taking all possible initiatives to improve its working by adopting all available modern technologies and has started special drive to improve its performance at all fronts including safety, cleanliness, punctuality etc.
Source :PIBNEWS.
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Voice Guided Navigation
07:42
Hygiene Food Service from IRCTC?
Don't like the food on train? Indian Railways wants your feedback
NEW DELHI: In its bid to improve hygiene, food quality and services in trains, the Indian Railways has started collecting feedback from the public from this month. "The feedback service is in line with the emphasis given by rail minister Suresh Prabhu on the best connect between railway administration and railway users," the railway ministry said in a statement.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been entrusted with the job of collecting the feedback, which will be done through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) with the number '139'. Under this system, passengers are being contacted randomly on their mobile phones to gather their feedback about the facilities provided by the Railways in six areas -- cleanliness of station/platform/train, quality of catering, level of cooling of AC, quality of food, punctuality of t ..
Out of the six facilities, a passenger is asked to send his/her feedback on only two facilities. They are given three options of pressing on mobile: 2 (Two) for Good, 1 (one) for Satisfactory and 0 (Zero) for unsatisfactory/Bad with regard to a particular amenity.
On an average 60-70 calls per day, per train are being made and efforts are on to make approximately one lakh successful calls per day to passengers of mail/ express trains, the ministry added.
The service was initially being tested on a few trains. The move, according to the ministry, is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of Swachh Bharat campaign to provide better service to passengers travelling in trains.
Source :The Economic Times.
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Pillow Covers
18:55
Railways contemplate Disposable Linen for a Price; launches Online Survey to know passengers’ preference
Railways contemplate Disposable Linen for a Price; launches Online Survey to know passengers’ preference
New Delhi: Swamped by thousands of complaints regarding the supply of dirty linen on board trains, Indian Railways is contemplating introduction of disposable towels, pillow covers and maybe even bed sheets for a price. The railways has started an online survey to find out what people desire and how much they are willing to pay for a peaceful night’s rest while travelling. There have been instances when passengers have pointed to stains on bed sheets and pillow covers and demanded that these be replaced. Bedroll porters are known to throw up their hands in despair and show how all linen stocked in coaches are similarly soiled and crushed.
Earlier, zonal railways used to hire launderers to wash used linen. This resulted in chaos with many launderers failing to supply fresh bed sheets, pillow covers and towels on time. Those in charge of issuing bedrolls to passengers were then forced to recycle used linen. Now, Eastern Railway has set up a mechanized laundry at Tikiapara that has capacity to wash 4,000 bedrolls (8,000 bed sheets, 4,000 pillow covers and 4,000 towels) everyday. South Eastern Railway has also commissioned a similar laundry at Santragachi of 2,000 bedrolls capacity. This will be augmented to 6,000 bedrolls in the future.
“Given the number of trains and the increase in upper-class passengers, this may not be sufficient. Apart from regular bedrolls, there are plans to introduce disposable ones for people who are ready to pay extra. Regular bedrolls are supplied without any additional cost to air-conditioned passengers,” a senior officer in Delhi said.
The survey launched by the railways begins with the age group of the respondent, his or her occupation and the frequency of travel. Respondents must also reveal what class they travel in and whether they carry beddings along. The next set of questions is about the quality of bedrolls supplied on trains and satisfaction levels. The survey then wants to know whether respondents would prefer disposable linen.
“The survey goes beyond hygiene and cleanliness. Respondents are asked what quality of bed sheets they would prefer and even their choice of colour. The choices given are light colour, white or dark shades. People are also asked whether they would prefer printed bed sheets and the kind of pattern on them. The choices are large prints, small all over prints or geometric prints. Passengers can also say whether they prefer cotton, cotton polyester or polyester sheets,” the official said.
The final portion of the survey deals with whether passengers want disposable pillow covers. Respondents are also asked how much they are prepared to shell out. There are multiple choices. Passengers can choose Rs 60 and the maximum is between Rs 120 and Rs 150. The final question is whether passengers want the bedrolls to have fire retardant properties.
