11 Long-Distance Trains to Get Massive Hygiene Upgrade
Indian Railways has launched a specialized hygiene initiative targeting 11 long-distance trains that undertake journeys lasting more than 40 hours. This move aims to significantly boost sanitation, housekeeping, and maintenance standards for passengers traveling on these marathon routes.
Following a formal directive issued by the Railway Board on October 3, 2026, the initiative focuses on enhancing the overall travel experience through stricter cleaning protocols and immediate defect rectification.
The 11 Trains Under Special Monitoring
The Railway Board has identified specific long-distance services that will now be subject to enhanced monitoring and higher cleanliness standards. These include:
- Vivek Express
- Avadh Assam Express
- Rani Kamalapati-Agartala Express
- Ahmedabad-Saharsa Express
- Danapur-SMVT Bengaluru Express
- Pune-Supaul Express
- Amrapali Express
- Jhelum Express
- Rajgir-Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express
- Howrah-Yesvantpur Superfast Express
- Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express
Zones such as the East Central Railway (ECR) are already actively implementing these new mandates to ensure compliance.
Strict Cleaning Protocols and Real-Time Monitoring
Under the new guidelines, cleanliness and minor coach defects must be addressed immediately during the journey. To ensure that these standards are met, the Railways is implementing a rigorous monitoring system.
Time-Stamped Verification: To maintain transparency, monitoring will be conducted using time-stamped photographs. These images must be captured at the start of the journey, at the destination, and at designated en-route inspection points.
Enhanced Housekeeping and Waste Management
A key component of this initiative is the revamped role of the On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS). To prevent littering on tracks and maintain a hygienic environment, OBHS personnel are now tasked with the following:
- Collecting waste from every coach, including sleeper, AC, general, and second-class compartments.
- Performing waste collection duties every two hours throughout the journey.
Furthermore, dedicated maintenance teams, including plumbers and electrical staff, will be