New Delhi: Indian Railways has implemented a comprehensive waste management framework for the collection, segregation, treatment, and scientific disposal of waste generated from railway stations and trains across the country.
The information was provided by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
The Minister stated that twin dustbins have been installed at railway stations to facilitate waste segregation at the source. Waste generated inside trains is collected at regular intervals at designated waste handling stations, which have established coordination arrangements with Urban Local Bodies and Municipal Authorities for proper disposal.
To promote sustainable waste management, Indian Railways has also set up various waste processing facilities, including Bio-gas Plants, Composting Plants, Material Recovery Facilities, and Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines at different stations based on operational requirements.
The details of these facilities are:
| Type of Facility | Number Commissioned | Installed Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-gas Plants | 13 | 5,095 kg per day |
| Composting Plants | 171 | 24,817 kg per day |
| Material Recovery Facilities | 08 | 7,725 kg per day |
| Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines | 858 machines | — |
The Minister further informed that following the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, Indian Railways has undertaken several measures to strengthen waste management practices across its establishments.
The Railway Board has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) on Solid Waste Management, covering railway stations, trains, railway colonies, hospitals, workshops, production units, and other railway establishments. The SoP provides detailed guidelines on waste segregation, collection, transportation, processing, scientific disposal, monitoring mechanisms, and responsibilities at various administrative levels.
Zonal Railways have started identifying units that qualify as bulk waste generators under the SWM Rules, 2026. An “As-is Waste Characterization and Quantification Study” has also been planned to assess the current pattern and quantity of waste generated across railway establishments and trains.
To ensure effective implementation, Zonal Railways have appointed dedicated Nodal Officers responsible for preparing waste management action plans, conducting periodic audits, monitoring compliance, and submitting regular reports to the Railway Board. Divisions have also been directed to prepare detailed action plans for improving waste management.
Indian Railways has established dedicated Environment & Housekeeping Management (EnHM) departments at the Divisional, Zonal Railway, and Railway Board levels to oversee cleanliness and waste management-related activities.
For maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in long-distance trains, On Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS) are currently operational in 1,450 pairs of identified long-distance trains.
Additionally, the Clean Train Station (CTS) Scheme has been implemented at 63 railway stations, covering around 2,800 trains. Under this initiative, dedicated teams equipped with cleaning tools undertake cleaning of coach toilets and washbasins and collect garbage from train dustbins during scheduled halt periods.
The measures reflect Indian Railways’ continued efforts towards achieving improved cleanliness, sustainable waste management, and an environmentally responsible railway network.