Indian Railways Special Campaign 6: 100,000 Sites to be Cleaned
Indian Railways has officially kicked off Special Campaign 6, an intensive nationwide drive designed to transform station cleanliness and boost revenue through efficient scrap management. Spanning from October 2 to October 31, 2026, the initiative aims to optimize railway premises while turning waste into valuable assets. To ensure the initiative is on track, a high-level review meeting was conducted via video conference on October 8, 2026, by the Secretary of the Railway Board.
Massive Targets for Cleanliness and Revenue
The campaign has set ambitious benchmarks to improve the railway environment and financial efficiency. Key objectives include:
- Cleaning 100,000 sites across the country.
- Clearing 700,000 square feet of space to optimize land use.
- Generating ₹600 crore through the strategic disposal of scrap and e-waste.
To ensure compliance, the disposal of e-waste will strictly follow the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, while scrap disposal will adhere to the General Financial Rules (GFR). Additionally, zonal railways are being encouraged to identify and implement 'Waste to Wonder' initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability of these clean spaces.
Strict Hygiene Protocols for Long-Distance Trains
For passengers traveling on long-distance routes, the Railway Board has introduced stringent new directives to maintain hygiene. For any train journey exceeding 40 hours, the following rules are now mandatory:
- Conducting necessary en-route repairs.
- Performing garbage collection every two hours.
- Executing time-stamped photographic inspections of both coaches and toilets to ensure high standards are maintained throughout the journey.
Furthermore, under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, revised penalties for littering have been implemented to discourage unhygienic behavior and enhance overall safety and cleanliness.
Strong Financial Performance and Zonal Success
The drive comes on the heels of impressive financial results from scrap sales. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, Indian Railways generated ₹6,813.86 crore from scrap, significantly exceeding its original target of ₹6,000 crore.
Recent data from the current fiscal year shows continued momentum across various zones:
- Central Railway: Reported earnings of ₹323.50 crore between April and September 2026.
- North Central Railway: Led by General Manager Naresh Pal Singh and Principal Chief Materials Manager S. P. Dwivedi, the zone achieved ₹286.79 crore, successfully surpassing its annual target of ₹285 crore.
Engaging the Public: Rail Jan Samvaad
To foster a sense of shared responsibility, the campaign will include direct interaction with the public. On October 22, 2026, nationwide programs titled 'Rail Jan Samvaad' and 'Rail Jan Yuva Samvaad' will be held at all railway stations. These events aim to create a meaningful dialogue between railway authorities, citizens, and the youth regarding the quality and future of railway services.