North Central Railway launches two cleanliness initiatives under Special Campaign 6.0; waste to be segregated into four categories before disposal
Prayagraj: Prayagraj Junction is taking significant steps towards improving cleanliness and becoming a Zero Waste Station. Under Special Campaign 6.0, North Central Railway has introduced two key initiatives: a ‘coach-to-coach’ waste collection system and waste segregation at source.
The initiatives have been implemented in compliance with the directives of the General Manager of North Central Railway, with the aim of reducing littering on platforms and strengthening waste management practices.
Sanitation Staff to Collect Waste from Coach to Coach
Passengers travelling in sleeper and general coaches were often seen throwing waste through train windows directly onto railway platforms, affecting cleanliness and creating additional work for sanitation teams.
To address this issue, sanitation workers equipped with mobile, wheeled dustbins are now deployed when trains arrive at Prayagraj Junction. They move alongside the coaches and collect waste directly from passengers before it reaches the platform.
According to the railway, the initiative has helped reduce littering on platforms and has received appreciation from passengers. The system is currently being implemented on a pilot basis across selected trains.
Waste to Be Segregated into Four Categories
Alongside the collection system, the railway has introduced a source-segregation mechanism to improve waste management.
Instead of sending mixed waste directly to a central dumping point, the collected waste is separated into four categories before disposal:
- Dry waste
- Wet waste
- Sanitary waste
- Domestic hazardous waste
The process is intended to improve waste handling, support compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules and promote more efficient disposal practices.
Plan to Expand the Initiative Across Trains and Platforms
Both initiatives are currently operating on a pilot basis across selected trains and are reportedly delivering encouraging results.
North Central Railway plans to expand the model across all trains and platforms. The long-term objective is to strengthen sustainable cleanliness practices and move Prayagraj Junction closer to becoming a certified Zero Waste Station.
The success of the initiative will depend on its wider implementation, regular monitoring and cooperation from passengers.
Times of Taj Disclaimer: This report is based on information provided by North Central Railway. The wider impact of the initiatives will become clearer as implementation expands.