Cleanliness in trains, stations of utmost priority, says Suresh Prabhu

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday said ensuring higher standards of cleanliness is of utmost priority for Indian Railways and appealed citizens to keep it clean as it is their travelling home.

He said the ministry wants to make "Swachh Rail" the driving force behind the government's flagship "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" or Clean India campaign.

Outlining the proposals on cleanliness he said, the railways proposed to create a new department for keeping stations and trains clean.

"Integrated cleaning will be taken up as a specialized activity, which will include engaging professional agencies and also training staff in the latest cleaning practices," the minister said.

He said Railways plans to set up "waste to energy" conversion plants near major coaching terminals to dispose waste in an environment-friendly manner. One pilot plant will be set up to begin with, followed by more plants in a phased manner.

The condition of toilet facilities in stations and trains needs major improvement, the minister said.

"The Railways will build new toilets covering 650 additional stations compared to 120 stations last year. Bio-toilets are being fitted in coaches," Prabhu said.