THE CENTRAL and Western railways have undertaken a campaign to clean up trains and stations.

Scattered railway conservancy staffers have been grouped into mobile teams, each focusing on a particular station each Saturday. The railways have also prepared a cleanliness manual for the first time, clearly outlining job descriptions and accountability of staff.

At major stations, each team, comprising 40 sweepers, works continuously from 9 am to 5 pm to clear out debris, wipe furniture and clean the area around the station, platforms, tracks and drains.

The petty cash allowance for cleanliness has also been enhanced for stationmasters to procure material required for the clean-up. Central Railway also employs a force of ragpickers at 31 stations and stretches of tracks after the day's last train passes by. Hindustan Times first reported the move on August 20, 2007.

The ragpickers will be assessed for collection and cleaning on a scale of 100 and will get paid only if their performance is up to the mark.

They will be equipped with masks, latex gloves, safety shoes, nylon brushes and brooms, polythene bags, dustpans and trolleys.

They are supposed to pick up plastic bottles, rags, paper, tetrapacks and other rubbish lying on the tracks within 50 meters of both ends of the platform.

"We are making every effort to maintain cleanliness given the huge number of passen gers. But we need commuters to cooperate with us," said S.C. Mudgerikar, Central Railway's chief spokesperson.

"Western Railway has procured mechanised high-pressure jets for cleaning tracks and auto scrubbers to remove dirt on platforms and waiting halls," said Pranai Prabhakar, Western Railway's chief spokesperson.

Sources said Western Railway is building ‘deluxe' toilets at three stations - Borivli, Bandra Terminus and Mumbai Central.

The toilets will include facilities for the physically challenged, at least one European-style toilet, bathing facilities with hot and cold water, mirrors, towels, towel racks, hangers, hooks, fans, wire mesh to keep out mosquitoes, a mini cloakroom and wash basins with soap solution.

Sulabh International, the sanitation major, is one of the organisations that will take up toilet maintenance at key stations.

 

UR: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=26_03_2008_002_006&typ=1&pub=264