As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative, a special programme was organised by the Indian Railways, with active participation from students of various colleges under the Ahalia Group of Institutions. The programme aimed to promote cleanliness, hygiene, responsible waste management, passenger safety, and improved facilities at railway stations and inside trains.
Interaction with Railway Officials – Samvad
The programme commenced with an interactive Samvad with senior Railway officials, providing students with an opportunity to share their views, concerns, and practical suggestions regarding railway cleanliness, hygiene, waste management, passenger safety, and passenger amenities.
The programme was attended by:
- 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)
Students from Ahalia actively participated in the discussion and presented several thoughtful and practical suggestions, including:
- Installation of additional dustbins at appropriate locations.
- Provision of sanitary napkin vending machines and separate disposal bins for women passengers.
- Installation of CCTV cameras inside trains to enhance passenger safety and monitoring.
- Improvement of washroom facilities and cleanliness of waiting rooms.
- Passenger-oriented cleaning schedules based on actual requirements.
- Provision of emergency buttons at railway stations for immediate assistance.
- Improved waste-management systems and clear signboards directing passengers to dustbins.
- Availability of medical professionals at railway stations and collaboration with nearby hospitals for emergency medical assistance.
- Ensuring the quality of drinking water and maintaining appropriate food safety standards.
- Creating greater awareness regarding the use of the 139 railway helpline for reporting issues such as spitting and tobacco-related concerns.
- Introduction of a Wrap & Roll facility at Palakkad Railway Station, similar to facilities available at Calicut and Ernakulam stations.
- Strengthening baggage-checking procedures to enhance passenger safety.
- Consideration of separate ladies’ facilities in sleeper services between Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad.
- Increased awareness regarding the RPF helpline for passenger safety.
- Introduction of IoT-based sensors to monitor cleanliness inside trains and identify areas requiring attention.
- Introduction of reward or recognition systems to encourage passengers to dispose of waste responsibly.
The Railway officials appreciated the students’ thoughtful and practical suggestions and acknowledged their enthusiastic participation and keen interest in improving cleanliness, hygiene, safety, and passenger facilities.
Swachhata Rally
Following the Samvad, a Swachhata Rally was organised from the Divisional Office to the Railway Station. Students from the Ahalia institutions participated enthusiastically, carrying messages promoting cleanliness, hygiene, responsible waste disposal, and responsible passenger behaviour.
Swachhata Pledge
The programme concluded with the administration of the Swachhata Pledge in front of the Railway Station. Railway officials and students participated in the pledge, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining cleanliness in trains and railway premises and promoting responsible waste-disposal practices.
Conclusion
The Swachhata Hi Seva programme provided students of the Ahalia Group of Institutions with a valuable platform to interact directly with senior Railway officials and contribute practical, student-driven ideas for improving railway services. The active participation of students, meaningful interaction, Swachhata Rally, and pledge made the programme an engaging and impactful initiative towards promoting cleanliness, hygiene, safety, and responsible citizenship.
