Commuters Demand Monthly Clean-Up Drives: A Clarion Call for Cleaner Railways

A growing chorus of commuters is demanding a radical shift in how Southern Railway and MRTS manage cleanliness, calling for regular, ideally monthly, clean-up drives. Passengers express deep frustration over the often-deplorable state of train coaches and station premises, highlighting a critical lapse in hygiene that mars their daily travel experience.

The plight of MRTS coaches, in particular, has become a significant point of contention.

“The MRTS coaches are in a pathetic condition. Dust, dirt, and waste accumulate everywhere, and it’s not uncommon to see rodent droppings,” laments K. Natarajan, a regular commuter from Velachery. His sentiment is echoed by countless others who endure unhygienic environments, far removed from the 'Swachh Bharat' ideal.

The lack of proper dustbins within coaches forces passengers to resort to discarding waste on the floor, exacerbating the problem. Even the platforms at key stations like Velachery and Perungudi are often littered, suggesting a systemic failure in waste management.

While Southern Railway occasionally conducts 'Swachh Rail – Swachh Bharat' campaigns, commuters argue that these efforts are too infrequent and often superficial.

“A one-off drive is hardly enough. What we need is a sustained, systematic approach to cleanliness, not just token gestures,” states S. Sekaran, another daily user of the railway services. The campaigns, while well-intentioned, fail to address the root causes of the pervasive dirt and grime if not followed up with consistent maintenance.

The issue isn't confined to waste disposal alone.

Commuters point out that vendors, particularly those selling food items, contribute significantly to the litter problem by leaving behind packaging and food scraps. There's a clear need for stricter enforcement of waste disposal norms for vendors and an emphasis on public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible passenger behavior.

However, the onus, say commuters, is primarily on the railway authorities to provide the necessary infrastructure – more dustbins, frequent sweeping, and regular, thorough cleaning of all surfaces.

Despite the introduction of amenities like bio-toilets in some trains, the overall cleanliness often remains substandard.

The call from commuters is clear: it’s time for Southern Railway and MRTS to commit to a proactive and sustained cleaning regimen. Monthly clean-up drives, coupled with effective waste management, public education, and stringent enforcement, are seen as essential steps to transform the travel experience and ensure that the railways truly reflect a clean and healthy environment for everyone.