Written by Anish MondalNovember 15, 2025 04:18 PM IST 3 min readThe Railway Board's instruction also highlights a strict compliance mechanism. (Image: Southern Railway/File)Train waste disposal norms, Indian Railways waste management: To enhance cleanliness and ensure a more comfortable travel experience for passengers, Indian Railways (IR) has issued strict guidelines for the systematic collection and disposal of garbage from trains during the journey. Recently, the Railway Board (RB) released detailed instructions to all Zonal Railways to enforce proper waste management throughout the journey.Also Read | Indian Railways pet travel policy: Planning train journey with your dog? Know IRCTC rules and ticket booking processWaste management in Indian RailwaysThe Railway Board’s instructions reinforce a mechanism where On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) and Pantry Car staff are mandated to collect garbage from passenger compartments and dispose of it in sealed bags at specifically nominated stations enroute. This aims to maintain the cleanliness of both the train interiors and the railway infrastructure.Also Read | Indian Railways child ticket policy: IRCTC ticket booking rules parents must know before travelling with kidsTrain waste disposal new guidelinesA key focus of the new order is the role of the on-board staff in delivering a hospitable and comfortable journey. “By ensuring a clean and waste-free environment within the coaches and toilets, the staff contribute significantly to passenger comfort and safety.Also Read | Indian Railways liquor carrying rules: Can you travel with alcohol bottles in trains?The Board has directed that these frontline staff, who are largely contractual, must be adequately trained and equipped by the Zonal Railways to fulfil these responsibilities effectively, reflecting a spirit of service,” it said in a statement.Also Read | Railways plans Mega Coaching Terminals to double train handling capacity in 20 citiesStory continues below this adIndian Railways waste disposal mechanism on trainsThe Railway Board’s instruction also highlights a strict compliance mechanism. “The licensees of OBHS and Pantry Car services will be formally counselled on these guidelines. Any violation will be treated as a major breach of contract, initiating termination proceedings against the defaulting parties,” the RB said.Also Read | Indian Railways to install AI-based technology to enhance security in freight trains – Here’s how it will workThe RB’s new initiative builds upon earlier instructions issued in July 2024, which outlined a system for mandatory en-route garbage disposal. According to release, that system included conducting work studies to assess garbage generation, fixing a minimum number of garbage bags to be disposed of at designated stations, and entering this data into a centralized management system (CMM system of CRIS) for effective monitoring.Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd