Indian Railways has officially launched an enhanced On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) and upgraded linen facilities on the 12428 Anand Vihar – Rewa Express. This move is part of a larger, nationwide effort to improve hygiene standards and passenger comfort for long-distance commuters across the country.
Key highlights of the new service include:
- Enhanced cleaning protocols covering AC and general coaches, toilets, corridors, and doorways throughout the journey.
- Upgraded linen service featuring bedsheets and hand towels provided in hygienically packed, sealed envelopes.
- Stringent cleaning schedules with dedicated staff assigned to clean toilets and cabins every 60 to 90 minutes.
- Unified accountability by assigning all linen management and cleaning tasks to a single specialized agency.
A Nationwide Push for Cleaner Trains
This initiative follows a significant announcement made by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on August 1, 2026, regarding the transformation of cleanliness standards in general coaches. Under this new policy, general compartments are now being maintained with the same level of attention previously reserved for first-class coaches. By ensuring that garbage bins are cleared and toilets are sanitized at frequent, regular intervals, the Railways aims to address long-standing passenger grievances regarding hygiene on long-haul routes.
Future Expansion and Technology Integration
Beyond the current upgrades on the Anand Vihar – Rewa Express, Indian Railways is actively looking to scale these services across its network. The department is currently exploring the implementation of AI-based monitoring systems to track service quality and ensure that cleaning staff adhere to time-bound schedules.
The OBHS scheme, which first debuted in 2007 and underwent revisions in 2016, is currently undergoing a massive revamp. As of February 2026, a pilot project was rolled out across five trains in every railway zone to test these strict, time-bound cleaning protocols. With the success of these trials, passengers can expect to see a more consistent and professional housekeeping experience on more trains in the near future. These improvements reflect a growing commitment by the national transporter to prioritize passenger health and comfort as a core pillar of the modern Indian rail experience.