While the echoes of the first steam engine that rolled from Bori Bunder to Thane in 1853 still resonate through history, Eastern Railway (ER) chose to celebrate the 173rd “birthday” of Indian Railways by rolling up its sleeves for the future. Moving beyond traditional ceremonies, the zone transformed this historic milestone into a high-energy mission for hygiene, marking the peak of its month-long Swachhata Awareness Campaign. Today’s activities specifically targeted coach and track cleanliness, proving that the best way to honor a legendary past is by building a pristine, sustainable future for every traveler.
“As we celebrate the day the first wheels turned on Indian soil, we honor our heritage by committing to a cleaner, better travel experience,” stated Shri Milind Deouskar, General Manager of Eastern Railway. “This is not just a celebration of the past but a promise to our passengers for a hygienic and sustainable future.”
Under the leadership of Shri Milind Deouskar, the program reached every corner of the Eastern Railway network today with full participation from all Principal Heads of Departments, HODs, Divisional Railway Managers, Divisional Officers, and every single employee. The General Manager personally visited Howrah Station today to interact directly with passengers onboard trains to promote deep-rooted awareness regarding cleanliness. During these interactions, he personally took feedback from travelers and educated them on the importance of not littering the railway tracks or throwing trash inside the train coaches. He advised passengers to always use the provided dustbins or simply wait for the On-Board Housekeeping Staff (OBHS), who are dedicated to collecting trash directly from seats. Furthermore, he explained that passengers should always use the flush after using the toilet to ensure it remains usable for the next person, and issued a stern reminder never to throw trash in the bio-toilets, emphasizing that the washroom’s specific dustbin should be used instead to prevent system failures.
This spirit of direct engagement was mirrored across the entire zone as AGM, PHODs, HODs, DRMs, ADRMs and branch officers traveled throughout the network to interact with the public. Senior officials visited Sealdah, Howrah, Malda, and Asansol, ensuring the message of civic responsibility reached thousands of commuters. The effort was bolstered by the energetic participation of the Eastern Railway Bharat Scouts and Guides (ERBS&G), who, alongside Civil Defence volunteers, the RPF, and staff from the other Departments, worked tirelessly at stations and coaches to ensure the campaign’s success.
Reflecting on the achievement, Shri Shibram Majhi, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway and State Secretary of ERBS&G, emphasized that maintaining a spotless railway is not a one-day program but an everyday necessity. He stated that while the railway administration is fully committed to hygiene, true success is impossible without the active support of the traveling public. He issued a heartfelt request to all passengers to maintain cleanliness as a personal responsibility, noting that when citizens and the railway work together, the network becomes more than just a transport system—it becomes a shared home.
