Lack of sanitation in train compartments, passengers aghast

Srinagar, Oct 06: Passengers traveling on the railways in Kashmir have raised concerns over the lack of daily cleaning and maintenance of railway coaches. Piles of garbage have accumulated in the train carriages, highlighting an issue that the authorities have so far failed to address adequately.
Mohammad Mustafa, a local passenger said it is disheartening to see the condition of the train couches nowadays. Passengers pay for a ticket, and get a dirty carriage that hardly feels fit for travel, he said.
“The situation is getting worse day by day. It is not just uncomfortable; it is unhygienic. We deserve better, he said.
He expressed his disappointment and frustration over the deteriorating cleanliness standards on Kashmir’s railway network.
“The presence of rubbish and debris on the floors of the coaches has become a common sight, with passengers often having to navigate around litter during their journeys, ” Mustafa said.
He said authorities should prioritize passenger comfort and health. “Cleanliness is a basic expectation.”
Another frustrated passenger said that the absence of regular cleaning routines not only affects the overall travel experience but also raises concerns about hygiene and sanitation, especially in the context of public health and safety.
“Passengers are urging the railway authorities to take immediate action to rectify this situation. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment within the coaches, especially given the on-going health challenges.”
“Investing in cleanliness should be a priority. It’s not just about convenience; it is about our well-being,” he said.
In response to these complaints, Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo (IRTS) acknowledged the issue and stated, “We understand the concerns raised by passengers, and we take them seriously.
“In the coming days, we have plans for increased daily cleaning and stricter monitoring of cleanliness in railway coaches that are reportedly in the pipeline,” he said.
Presently, 19 train services, including seven trains, operate regularly on the Baramulla-Banihal sector in Jammu and Kashmir, serving approximately 30,000 passengers daily.
Kashmir inaugurated its first train service in 2013, a milestone marked by the then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway (USBRL) track is a significant project aimed at connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country and falls under the jurisdiction of the Firozpur Railway division of Indian Railways’ Northern zone.
Notably, the 359-meter (1,178-foot) tall Chenab Bridge, upon completion, will become the tallest railway bridge in the world.