SWACHHATA HI SEVA PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY INDIAN RAILWAYS

As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative, Indian Railways organised a programme in which students from colleges under the Ahalia Group of Institutions participated actively and enthusiastically. The programme provided students with an opportunity to interact directly with senior Railway officials and share practical suggestions related to cleanliness, hygiene, waste management, passenger safety and railway facilities.

The programme was attended by the following Railway officials:

Shri Madhukar Roat – Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)

Shri Jerin G. Anand – Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM)

Shri Chandan Kumar – Divisional Mechanical Engineer & Divisional Environment and Housekeeping Manager (DME & DEnHM)

Shri Ambu P. Kumar – Divisional Security Commissioner (DSC)

The programme commenced with an interactive Samvad with the Railway officials, during which students were given an opportunity to express their views and share practical suggestions for improving cleanliness, hygiene, waste management, passenger safety and facilities in trains and on railway platforms.

Students from Ahalia actively participated in the discussion and put forward several thoughtful and practical suggestions. The key suggestions included:

Samyuktha – ASCM: Installation of more dustbins at appropriate locations.
Joicy – ASCM: Provision of sanitary napkin vending machines for women passengers.
Anirudh – ASM: Installation of cameras inside trains to enhance passenger safety and monitoring.
Hena – ACN: Improvement of washroom facilities and cleanliness in waiting rooms, along with addressing the limited availability of washrooms.
Anugraha – ASM: Cleaning schedules should be based on actual passenger requirements rather than relying solely on fixed timings.
Krishna – ASM: Provision of emergency buttons at railway stations for immediate assistance during emergencies.
Neha – ACN: Provision of separate bins for sanitary napkin disposal and improved waste management inside trains.
Namitha – ASORC: Installation of clear signboards directing passengers to dustbins inside trains.
ACN Students: Availability of medical professionals/doctors at railway stations and exploring tie-ups with nearby hospitals to provide medical consultation and assistance to passengers. The students also suggested ensuring the quality of drinking water and maintaining proper food safety standards at railway stations and on trains. Greater awareness regarding the use of 139 for reporting issues such as spitting and tobacco-related concerns, particularly in general compartments, was also suggested.
Ameen, Samyuktha & Joicy – ASCM: Introduction of a Wrap & Roll facility at Palakkad Railway Station, similar to the facilities available at Calicut and Ernakulam stations, for consideration.
ASP Students: Strengthening baggage-checking facilities and procedures to enhance passenger safety.
AAMCH Students: Consideration of a separate ladies’ coach/facility in sleeper services between Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad, along with increased awareness of the RPF helpline for passenger safety. They also suggested the introduction of IoT-based sensors inside trains to monitor cleanliness and identify situations requiring immediate attention. In addition, they proposed a reward or recognition system for passengers who properly dispose of waste, thereby encouraging responsible waste-disposal practices.

The Railway officials appreciated the thoughtful and practical suggestions shared by the students and acknowledged their active participation and keen interest in improving cleanliness, hygiene, passenger safety and facilities in trains and on railway platforms.

Following the Samvad session, a Swachhata rally was organised from the Divisional Office to the Railway Station. Students from the Ahalia colleges participated enthusiastically in the rally, carrying messages promoting cleanliness, responsible passenger behaviour and proper waste-disposal practices.

After the rally, a Swachhata pledge was administered in front of the Railway Station in the presence of the Railway officials and students. The pledge reinforced the collective commitment to maintaining cleanliness in trains and on railway platforms and promoting responsible waste-disposal practices among passengers.

The Swachhata Hi Seva programme provided students with a valuable platform to interact directly with senior Railway officials and present practical, student-driven ideas for improving cleanliness, hygiene, safety and passenger services. The active participation of the Ahalia students and the appreciation received from the Railway officials made the programme a meaningful and engaging initiative, further strengthening the shared commitment towards creating cleaner, safer and more passenger-friendly railway facilities.