A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that cleanliness in toilets and coaches remains a major concern for passengers traveling on long-distance trains in India. The audit, which surveyed 2,426 on-board passengers across 96 selected trains, found that over 40% of passengers were dissatisfied with the cleanliness of toilets, while more than half were not happy with the on-board housekeeping services. These findings are part of a CAG report on "Cleanliness and Sanitation in Long Distance Trains in Indian Railways" for the period 2018-19 to 2022-23, which was presented in Parliament.
The report highlighted several key issues contributing to the problem. These include inadequate deployment of manpower and cleaning equipment, as well as poor and irregular monitoring by railway officials. The CAG also pointed out improper usage of toilets by passengers as a significant factor, recommending increased awareness campaigns on the correct use of bio-toilets, especially concerning water availability and cleanliness in common areas.
One of the most pressing issues identified in the audit was the lack of water in toilets and washbasins. During 2022-23, Indian Railways received over 100,000 complaints regarding this problem. In more than 33% of these cases, the issue was not resolved within the expected timeframe. To address this, the Railway Board had decided in September 2017 to implement Quick Watering Arrangements (QWA) at watering stations. However, as of March 2023, only 81 out of 109 identified stations had operational QWA facilities, with delays in setting up the infrastructure at the remaining stations due to factors like funding constraints and slow progress.
The audit also found that bio-toilets in AC coaches were generally in better condition than those in non-AC coaches. Passenger dissatisfaction levels exceeded 50% in zones like East Coast, Western, and Eastern Railways, while satisfaction levels were above 90% in Northern and North Central Railways.
Further concerns were raised regarding the underutilization of Automatic Coach Washing Plants (ACWPs). As a result, a large number of coaches (132,060) were washed externally through Mechanised Coach Cleaning Contracts. Inspections of ACWPs revealed that many were not operational due to breakdowns or ongoing repairs. The CAG also criticized the Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme, which aimed to improve cleanliness through mechanized cleaning of sensitive areas like bio-toilets during train halts. Inspections revealed limited cleaning and underutilization of machinery and manpower at these stations.
The CAG has stressed the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards on trains, given the large number of passengers who travel daily and the direct impact on public health, safety, and overall aesthetics. The report suggests that the Indian Railways needs to take more effective measures to address these issues, including improving monitoring, ensuring adequate resources for cleaning, and raising passenger awareness about maintaining cleanliness on trains.
