Clean station status for Chennai Central

CHENNAI: Chennai Central has become the second station in the state to get the clean train station under which mechanised cleaning and washing activities would be undertaken on trains passing through the station.

Each day 225 coaches from 19 pass through trains and six platform turnaround trains, would be subject to cleaning activities like coach washing, removal of garbage and mechanised cleaning of toilets, pathways, and window glasses, spraying of disinfectants, cleaning wash basins from 6 am to 10 pm.

After Erode, Chennai Central has become the second station in the state to get a clean train station status.

“This was started in the first week of May, which has got a good response from passengers. With on-board housekeeping services, cleaning services were rolled out on request but now all Mail and Express trains halting for about 20 minutes will have these cleaning activities undertaken,” said a senior division official.

“There are trains that come only weekly or twice a week, and it takes about 20 minutes for carrying out the work. Depending on the halt time, 225 coaches have been decided to get the cleaning and washing facility that contract workers will be undertaking,” the official said. Erode, that saw a huge traffic of pass through trains was the first to get the facility in Tamil Nadu, along with the watering activity.

According to officials, Egmore will be the next station to get the clean train station status, as work on the same is expected to start shortly there. To undertake cleaning activities on trains, 25 trains have OBHS services in place but the public feels more steps to maintain cleanliness should be taken, especially in sleeper coaches.

 “There should be complaints register in ever coach. Even in AC coaches, cleanliness is poor. Garbage should be frequently removed.”

“Work done by the private agencies is not up to the mark,” said T Sadagopan. “They should spread awareness among commuters so that they would maintain hygiene and cleanliness.”