Garbage dumping, open defecation, muddy puddles and foul odour. Two years ago, railway tracks in India were known for these atrocities. At some point of time in UPA’s 10-year regime, it became difficult for passengers to travel in general and sleeper class. Why? Because the sight and smell surrounding the trail was terrible. When BJP swapped positions with Congress at the Centre, Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Railway, announced Cleanliness Campaign for Indian Railway. Resultantly, all state governments girded up their loins to improve the existing paralyzed condition of railway stations and railroads. Raje-led Rajasthan state was a major participant in this movement.
Major Highlights of Centre’s Railway Cleanliness Campaign
- The scheme was run separately alongside Swachh Bharat Mission.
- A similar plan was proposed by ex-Congress government at the centre. It was negligence and short-sightedness of leaders that prevented the implementation of this scheme in 10 years of their rule.
- BJP Government aimed to uplift the condition of railway platforms, railroads and surrounding regions.
- Major tasks listed under the mission included: regular cleaning of platforms, repair work, periodic removal of waste, garbage and faeces from tracts, regular cleaning of areas surrounding the tracks and expansion of green cover to clear air quality.
- A separate railway committee was established to monitor cleanliness projects at state level
Indian Railway Declares Results: Rajasthan Grabs 4th Position on The List of Cleanest Railway Tracks
Today, the results of intensive labours have been publicized. Rajasthan, despite being the largest state of India in terms of geographical area, bagged fourth position on this list. It’s a matter of pride for Rajasthan, which has a total area of 5544 km dedicated to railroads. Considering jaw-dropping area of rail trails, it was a Herculean task for state government to execute cleanliness drive alongside baffling maze of criss-cross railway tracks.
Nevertheless, the state successfully accomplished this difficult-looking task within a short span of 2 years. The state lies behind Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat that hold first, second and third positions on the list.
Rajasthan government, which has recently declared 2,329 villages ODF (Open Defecation Free) regions and implemented large-scale tree plantation under MJSA in approximately 4,000 villages, aims to make its way to the top. With consistent efforts by railway staff, strict vigilance of the government and public contribution, Rajasthan is prepared to outshine all other states in future when it comes to railway connectivity.
