Prabhu launches on-demand rail coach cleaning service
12 Mar 2016
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday launched the online "clean my coach" service promised in the rail budget, which that enables passengers to get their compartments cleaned by sending an SMS or by using an app or designated website.
The service, which is in keeping with the railways' cleanliness drive 'Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat', was launched from Rail Bhavan through video conferencing at Northern Railway, New Delhi/; Western Railway,Mumbai Central/; and North-Eastern Railway at Lucknow Jn.
"For any cleaning requirement in the coach, passengers have to send an SMS on a mobile number 58888," a statement issued by the ministry said. "Alternatively, passengers can use the android app or Web page www.cleanmycoach.com for logging the request."
Following this, a passenger's request is immediately acknowledged via SMS on mobile phone along with a code. "This service empowers the citizen to get an important service on board and is in line with the objectives of the 'Digital India' programme," the minister said.
"Taking forward the momentum on 'Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat', we intend taking a string of measures to improve the cleanliness on stations and trains," he said, adding a pan-India "clean my coach" scheme will be among such steps.
Prabhu said the railways was connected to every citizen of the country and it was all the more necessary to maintain clean environment in trains and at stations. He said dustbins had also been put in the non-AC coaches and that the railway administration and citizens were equally responsible for maintaining cleanliness in and around railway premises.
He said foreign tourists who come to see India, should take good memories of comfort travelling in Indian trains.
Prabhu promised more passenger-friendly measures for a better travelling experience on trains. He said the railways was on the fast track in the field of digitalization, cleanliness, passenger amenities, coach designs, mechanized laundries, on board services and social media.