Bringing a major transformation in the cleaning process of India’s premium train, the Vande Bharat Express Trains are now being covered under “14 Minutes Miracle” cleaning scheme which was launched on 1st October, 2023 at 29 stations across Indian Railways as part of “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign. Aiming the clean the entire train at their destination stations within a record 14 minutes, the scheme was formally launched by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology at the Delhi Cantt. Railway Station. Presently it takes around 45 minutes to clean a Vande Bharat train. This substantial reduction will be achieved by ensuring no duplication of effort. Cleaning of the New Jalpaiguri – Guwahati Vande Bharat Express under the “14 Minutes Miracle” scheme was carried out at Guwahati Railway Station and the Howrah – New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express at New Jalpaiguri station on this day by observing this new methodology.
This process is inspired from the world famous Shinkansen method in Japan for cleaning of high-speed passenger trains as part of the constant endeavor of Indian Railways for further improvement to achieve global standards. The exercise of “14 Minutes Miracle” cleaning will start once the passengers de-board at the terminal station. The scheme will work based on the flow chart for smooth operation of the programme. The coaches of the Vande Bharat train will be cleaned by a dedicated team of 24 cleaning staffs. The staffs will gather at designated locations in 8 columns, three staffs per columns, based on their assigned coach position. The cleaning will be done manually by a team of extensively trained staff. This 100% efficient process leading to reduction in cleaning time will also ensure quick turnaround and punctuality for return journey. This cleanliness drive will be extended to other trains gradually.
On the clarion call of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, N. F. Railway officials participated in Shramdaan at Maligaon area apart from all the divisions and field offices. Led by Shri Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, General Manager of NFR, a massive cleanliness drive involving Railway Officials, Local Public & Media was undertaken due to the clarion call of "Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath", wherein one of the largest garbage dump grounds within Maligaon Railway Colony has been cleaned. Janbhagidari was the mantra where approximately 400 people participated. The garbage dump yard will now be converted to a water body restoring the natural fauna & flora of the area.
To amplify the message of “Swachhata Hi Seva” and promote the theme of a “Garbage Free India,” special cleanliness campaign comprising Oath taking, Nukkad Natak, awareness march etc has been carried out across various locations and stations over N. F. Railway. Banners and Flex carrying messages on cleanliness were displayed in various places with good footfall. To spread awareness of cleanliness among the public, N. F. Railway has taken several initiatives for providing clean environment in and around Railway stations and trains. Bio-toilets on coaches leading to clean tracks, segregation of bio-degradable/non bio-degradable waste, solid waste management, discouraging use of single plastic etc. are some of them.
