Indian Railways has made impressive strides in its ongoing push for better hygiene and efficiency through the latest phase of its dedicated cleanliness and pending matters resolution drive. Running throughout October 2025, this initiative has already crossed several key goals, with teams across the network working hard to wrap up the rest by the deadline.
A Close Look at the Numbers Behind the Drive
The campaign set an ambitious goal of 75,000 separate cleanliness activities, but railway staff went beyond that by organizing 78,451 such events. These covered railway stations, administrative buildings, staff quarters, and workshops all over the country. In addition, more than 1,000 references from Members of Parliament have been fully addressed, showing quick action on public concerns.
When it comes to public grievances, the target was to resolve 275,000 complaints, and the teams have already handled over 248,000 of them. Most parts of this special effort to clear backlog items are nearly complete, and officials expect to hit full marks in every category before October ends.
Top Official Inspects and Motivates Teams
The Railway Board Secretary, Aruna Nayar, led a detailed review session to assess how things are going. She personally walked through Rail Bhawan in Delhi to check the upkeep standards and praised the officers and staff for their dedication. She urged everyone to push harder and ensure all leftover tasks get done by the campaign closure on 31 October 2025.
Massive Clean-Up Efforts Across the Network
Cleanliness remains the heart of this drive, aiming to build better habits among employees, travelers, and local communities. The focus is on keeping every corner of the railway system spotless while cutting down on waste and encouraging green practices.
Teams have scrubbed an enormous area totaling over 12 crore square meters. This includes platforms, waiting areas, offices, and surrounding spaces. Along the tracks, workers cleared around 27,000 kilometers, making sure the routes stay free of debris. A big win for the environment came from collecting and removing 520 tons of plastic waste from various railway sites.
Surprise Checks and Train Inspections
Senior officers carried out thorough inspections on about 1,500 trains. These checks happened at starting points and stops along the way, ensuring coaches meet high hygiene standards. To prevent littering, authorities ran 2,500 special drives where they spoke to 76,444 people and explained the importance of keeping areas clean.
Building Awareness Through Creative Programs
Spreading the message is just as important as the physical work. Railway zones held 1,646 online and in-person sessions on cleanliness, drawing in 37,700 attendees. Street plays, known as Nukkad Nataks, brought the theme to life at 451 spots, engaging passersby in a fun and memorable way.
Drains also got attention, with cleaning teams clearing 20.64 lakh meters to prevent water logging and maintain sanitary conditions. Machines at stations, like those at Ratlam, were checked to confirm they function properly for daily use.
Community Involvement and Green Initiatives
People from outside the railways joined in large numbers. Close to 125,000 volunteers took part in Shram-daan labor contributions, rolling up their sleeves for hands-on cleaning. To boost greenery, participants planted 120,000 saplings at different locations.
Under specific sub-programs, workers sanitized 11,300 water points across 3,150 spots to ensure safe drinking facilities. Food vendors saw improvements too, with 4,000 stalls at 1,800 sites getting a thorough cleanup to uphold food safety.
Smart Waste Handling and Fun Attractions
To manage trash better, the railways added 8,400 new dustbins in stations and other premises. A creative touch came with setting up selfie spots made from waste materials at 363 stations. These “Waste to Art” installations turn old items into eye-catching displays, reminding everyone that rubbish can have a second life.
What This Means for Everyday Travelers
All these efforts add up to cleaner trains, stations, and surroundings for millions who rely on the railways daily. By involving staff, passengers, and locals, the campaign builds a sense of shared responsibility. Reducing plastic use and adding plants also support broader goals for a sustainable future.
As the final day approaches, railway divisions are doubling down to cross the finish line strong. The progress so far highlights how coordinated action can deliver real change across such a vast system.
Indian Railways continues to lead by example in public service cleanliness drives. Stay tuned for updates on how the remaining goals shape up and what comes next in keeping the network pristine.