Indian Railways is stepping up its commitment to cleanliness by launching a comprehensive scientific waste management framework across its network. Following directives from the Supreme Court and in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, the national transporter is set to develop model stations across all 70 railway divisions. This initiative, confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Rajya Sabha on July 24 and 25, 2026, aims to standardize the way waste is handled in everything from trains and stations to railway colonies and production units.
- Scientific studies planned for all 70 divisions to establish model stations.
- Implementation of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for waste segregation and disposal.
- Expansion of waste processing infrastructure, including bio-gas and composting plants.
- Strengthening of On-Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS) across 1,450 train pairs.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Processing
To move toward a cleaner rail network, the Railway Board has introduced a detailed SoP that mandates strict protocols for the segregation, collection, and processing of waste. Currently, the railway has established 13 Bio-gas plants with a daily capacity of 5,095 kg and 171 Composting plants capable of handling 24,817 kg of waste per day. Additionally, 8 Material Recovery Facilities and 858 Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines have been installed at various stations to manage plastic waste effectively.
Focus on Passenger Trains and Urban Synergy
Cleanliness on moving trains remains a top priority, with On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) now active in 1,450 pairs of long-distance trains. Furthermore, the Clean Train Station scheme is operational at 63 stations, servicing 2,800 trains. Staff have been instructed to ensure garbage is collected from passenger compartments and disposed of systematically at nominated stations.
Recognizing the importance of local cooperation, the Railways is actively collaborating with Urban Local Bodies and Municipal Authorities. A high-level review meeting held in Bengaluru on July 25, 2026, attended by Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, highlighted the focus on managing waste on railway land. Through nationwide “Samvaad” (Dialogue) exercises, the Railways is also sensitizing and training frontline staff to ensure these new environmental standards are met with professional excellence.