Railways expands scientific waste processing, onboard hygiene and station cleanliness initiatives, reinforcing sustainable travel and improving the passenger experience

Key Highlights

• Dedicated Environment & Housekeeping Management (EnHM) Departments established at Divisions, Zonal Railways and Railway Board.
• On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) now operational in 1,450 pairs of long-distance trains.
• Clean Train Station (CTS) Scheme implemented at 63 stations, covering 2,800 trains.
• Indian Railways has commissioned:
  • 13 Biogas Plants with a capacity of 5,095 kg/day
  • 171 Composting Plants with a capacity of 24,817 kg/day
  • 8 Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) with a capacity of 7,725 kg/day
  • 858 Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines across stations.
• Twin dustbins introduced at stations for waste segregation at source.
• Railway Board issues a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) on Solid Waste Management in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
• Zonal Railways to conduct waste characterization studies, identify bulk waste generators and undertake regular environmental audits.

Indian Railways Expands Sustainable Waste Management and Cleanliness Measures Across Stations and Trains

Indian Railways has intensified its efforts to build a cleaner and more sustainable railway ecosystem by strengthening waste management systems, expanding onboard housekeeping services, and establishing dedicated Environment & Housekeeping Management (EnHM) departments across its administrative network.

The initiatives, announced by the Ministry of Railways, align with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and focus on improving hygiene standards, scientific waste disposal, and environmental sustainability across railway stations, trains, workshops, colonies and other railway establishments.

Dedicated Environment Departments to Oversee Waste Management

To strengthen implementation, Indian Railways has established Environment & Housekeeping Management (EnHM) Departments at the Division, Zonal Railway and Railway Board levels. These dedicated units will monitor waste management practices, oversee compliance, conduct environmental audits and coordinate action plans across the railway network.

Additionally, every Zonal Railway has nominated dedicated nodal officers responsible for preparing waste management strategies, monitoring implementation and submitting compliance reports to the Railway Board.

Scientific Waste Processing Infrastructure Expanded

Indian Railways continues to invest in sustainable waste processing infrastructure across stations.

The network currently operates:

• 13 Biogas Plants capable of processing 5,095 kilograms of waste per day
• 171 Composting Plants with a combined processing capacity of 24,817 kilograms per day
• 8 Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) capable of handling 7,725 kilograms per day
• 858 Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines to improve plastic waste management and recycling.

Twin dustbins have also been installed at stations to encourage waste segregation at source, while waste collected from trains is transferred at designated waste handling stations that have disposal arrangements with Urban Local Bodies and municipal authorities.

Cleaner Trains Through OBHS and CTS

Passenger cleanliness remains a major focus area.

The On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) is now available in 1,450 pairs of long-distance trains, ensuring continuous cleaning of coaches throughout the journey.

Meanwhile, the Clean Train Station (CTS) Scheme has been implemented at 63 stations, benefiting approximately 2,800 trains. Under the programme, dedicated housekeeping teams clean coach toilets, washbasins and collect waste from onboard dustbins during scheduled station halts, improving hygiene without disrupting train operations.

Railways Adopts New Waste Management Framework

Following the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, the Railway Board has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) covering waste segregation, collection, transportation, treatment, scientific disposal and monitoring across all railway establishments.

The Railways has also initiated an “As-is Waste Characterization and Quantification Study” to scientifically assess waste generation patterns across stations, trains, hospitals, workshops and residential colonies. The findings will help shape future waste reduction and recycling strategies.

Hospitality & Tourism Impact

The enhanced cleanliness and sustainability initiatives are expected to deliver significant benefits for India’s hospitality, tourism and travel ecosystem.

Improved Travel Experience

Cleaner coaches, hygienic station environments and continuous onboard housekeeping improve passenger comfort, making rail travel more attractive for leisure travellers, families, pilgrims and international tourists.

Boost to Sustainable Tourism

Scientific waste management and recycling infrastructure support India’s growing emphasis on responsible tourism. Clean transport systems contribute to stronger destination branding, particularly for heritage cities, pilgrimage centres, eco-tourism destinations and major tourism circuits connected by rail.

Positive Impact on Hospitality Businesses

Hotels, restaurants, cafés and tourism operators located around railway stations are likely to benefit from improved station environments, higher passenger satisfaction and increased visitor footfall. Enhanced hygiene standards also strengthen the overall travel experience, encouraging repeat travel.

Supporting ESG and Green Infrastructure Goals

The establishment of dedicated environmental departments, along with investments in biogas plants, composting facilities and material recovery infrastructure, reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to environmental sustainability. These initiatives complement India’s broader ESG objectives and reinforce sustainable mobility—an increasingly important consideration for global travellers and tourism stakeholders.