Eastern Railway Launches Campaign For Faster Cleanliness Response

New Delhi, May 14: The Eastern Railway has introduced a new cleanliness initiative promising action within 30 minutes of passenger complaints, aiming to make station environments cleaner and more responsive through real-time reporting and rapid response teams.

The campaign, titled “Spot it, Report it, We are on it”, is part of a broader push to strengthen hygiene standards across major stations in the zone.

30-Minute Cleanliness Response Target

Under the initiative, passengers who spot litter or unclean areas at railway stations can report it instantly, triggering a response from cleaning teams expected to act within 30 minutes.

The programme is being implemented under the leadership of General Manager Milind Deouskar, with the goal of improving passenger experience across high-traffic stations.

Officials describe the initiative as a shift toward “real-time cleanliness management” by combining technology, workforce coordination and public participation.

How Passengers Can Report Littering

Passengers are encouraged to actively participate by reporting cleanliness issues through digital platforms.

To report an issue, passengers can:

• Click a clear photo of the unclean area
• Tag the concerned division (Sealdah, Howrah, Malda, or Asansol)
• Post it on official social media handles such as @drmhowrah, @drmsdah, @drmmalda, or @DrmAsansol using the hashtag #ERChallenge
• Alternatively, report via Facebook pages or the RailMadad platform

The initiative is designed to make reporting faster and more accessible for daily commuters.

Phase 2 Of Swachhata Campaign Begins

The programme follows a month-long Swachhata Awareness Campaign conducted from April 15 to May 14, 2026.

A second phase will run from May 16 to May 30, 2026, focusing on rapid response and passenger-driven monitoring of cleanliness at stations.

Officials say this phase aims to deepen public participation and strengthen accountability among cleaning staff.

Divisions On High Alert For Cleanliness Drive

All four divisions of Eastern Railway — Sealdah, Howrah, Malda, and Asansol — have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance.

Each division has been tasked with ensuring quick response mechanisms and sustained cleanliness efforts across platforms, waiting areas, and station premises.

Public Participation Key To Success

Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi emphasised that the success of the campaign depends heavily on passenger cooperation.

Authorities have urged commuters to treat railway stations as shared public spaces and avoid littering or spitting, which remains punishable under the Railways Act, 1989.

Under existing rules, offenders can be fined up to ₹500 for violating cleanliness norms within railway premises.

A Push Toward Cleaner Stations

The initiative reflects a broader effort to improve passenger experience and maintain hygienic conditions across one of India’s busiest railway networks.

Officials believe that combining public reporting with rapid response teams could significantly improve cleanliness standards if consistently implemented.