Introduction
To ensure the provision of high-quality and hygienic food to passengers, the Indian Railways has established a systematic approach for monitoring the quality and hygiene of catering services through routine inspections at various levels. This initiative aims to address catering-related complaints effectively.
Indian Railways is also committed to the continuous improvement of train coach maintenance and cleanliness.
Several policy decisions have been implemented in this regard:
1. Dustbins have been provided in Non-AC coaches.
2. Mugs with chains are available in Non-AC coaches.
3. Health Faucets have been installed in AC and Non-AC Sleeper class coaches.
4. Coaches are cleaned at both ends, including mechanized cleaning.
5. On Board House Keeping Service (OBHS) is offered in approximately 980 trains, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and other long-distance Mail/Express trains. This service includes the cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles, and passenger compartments during the train journey.
6. 'Clean My Coach' service is available on demand in nearly 970 important Superfast/Mail/Express long-distance trains with OBHS.
7. The 'Clean My Coach' / 'Coach Mitra' Service has been expanded to cover approximately 800 OBHS trains. It serves as a single window interface for passengers to register all coach-related requests, including cleaning, disinfection, linen, train lighting, air conditioning, and watering of coaches.
8. The Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme focuses on limited mechanized cleaning of identified trains, including toilet cleaning, during scheduled stoppages at designated stations.
9. Bed linen (except blankets) for AC passengers is washed after each use, while blankets are now cleaned at least once a month.
10.To enhance the quality of linen washing, the railways have established 59 mechanized laundries, covering approximately 65% of the linen washing requirement. The remaining linen is washed in outside mechanized laundries through contracts.
11.Indian Railways is also working to improve the interiors of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design coaches. These improvements include pleasing color schemes, aesthetically designed fittings, upgraded toilets, and more, achieved through the refurbishment of existing coaches during Mid-Life Rehabilitation (MLR). Over 100 Model rake coaches out of 700 have already been refurbished as part of this effort.
Premium services like Humsafar, Tejas, Antyodaya, and coaches like Deen Dayalu and Anubhuti, which offer enhanced passenger amenities, have been introduced into service.
12.Project Swarn has been launched by Indian Railways with the goal of significantly enhancing the passenger experience. A total of 14 Rajdhani and 15 Shatabdi trains will be covered under this project.
13.For visually impaired travelers, newly manufactured coaches of Indian Railways now feature Integrated Braille signage, which includes Braille scripts superimposed on standard signage. Retrofitting of these signs in existing coaches is also underway in a phased manner.
14.To ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of trains, railway officials conduct regular inspections and surprise checks. Detailed instructions and guidelines have been issued to Zonal Railways for conducting joint inspections involving Medical, Commercial, and infrastructure maintenance departments to inspect all catering units (mobile and static), including base kitchens and cell kitchens on all Railway divisions/zones.
15.Additionally, Food Safety Officers, Designated officers, and Joint Food Safety Commissioners perform regular and surprise inspections. From April 1, 2017, to January 31, 2018, various railway officials conducted a total of 40,112 inspections to uphold these standards.
