The Ministry of Railways has taken a major step to improve passenger comfort by changing how services are managed inside trains. Under the new ‘On-Board Housekeeping Service’ (OBHS) policy, the responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and providing linen will now rest with a single agency. This decision puts an end to the system where multiple contractors handled different tasks, often leading to poor service. The North Central Railway, specifically reporting from Prayagraj, has started implementing these changes as part of a pilot project to ensure better accountability.
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What changes for passengers under OBHS Version 2.0?
The Railway Board issued this directive on February 17, 2026, to streamline operations completely. Previously, separate teams handled coach cleaning, toilet maintenance, and linen distribution. This often resulted in a ‘blame game’ when issues arose, leaving passengers frustrated. Now, a single service provider will cover the entire range of amenities to ensure a smoother experience.
This integrated service includes mechanized cleaning of coaches, maintaining hygienic toilets, pest control, and garbage disposal. Additionally, the same agency will be responsible for providing clean sheets, blankets, and pillows to passengers. Staff members are now required to introduce themselves at the start of the journey, giving travelers a clear point of contact for any help.
Strict cleaning schedule and monitoring tools
To ensure high standards, the railways have set a mandatory cleaning timetable that agencies must follow. During peak hours between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM, toilets must be cleaned every hour. For the rest of the journey, cleaning is required every two hours. This schedule is designed to keep coaches sanitary throughout long trips.
Lav Shukla, Director (Environment and Housekeeping Management), emphasized that this system aims to provide professional services similar to air travel. The project is currently running as a pilot on five select trains in each railway zone. Indian Railways is also using AI-based tools and biometric attendance to monitor staff performance strictly, ensuring accountability is fixed from the start of the trip.