Railways To Implement Aircraft-Style Cleaning At 750 Stations, Says Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw In Jodhpur

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that aircraft-style cleaning arrangements will be made for trains at 750 railway stations across the country. According to the Railway Minister, the clean train station initiative, currently operational at 350 stations, will now be extended to 750 stations nationwide. Under this system, trains will be cleaned using methods similar to those employed for aircraft at airports — a move aimed at enhancing hygiene and the passenger experience. During a brief visit to his hometown Jodhpur on Monday, Vaishnaw further stated  that 12,000 general coaches have recently been added to trains across the country, improving convenience for economically weaker and middle-class passengers. He also noted that special trains are being operated during the summer season to accommodate increased passenger traffic.

Focusing on Rajasthan, the Minister announced that railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 44,000 crore are currently underway in the state. These include upgrades in connectivity, station redevelopment, and expansion of passenger amenities. A dedicated railway budget of Rs 10,000 crore has been sanctioned this year alone for projects in Rajasthan.

Over the last ten years, the state has seen the construction of 3,784 kilometers of new railway lines and substantial progress in electrification efforts. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, multiple stations in Rajasthan are being modernized to improve the overall travel experience.

Vaishnaw also outlined key infrastructure developments in the state. These include the construction of 1,510 flyovers and underpasses, the new Pushkar–Merta Road railway line, rail connectivity from Ambaji to Abu Road via Taranga Hill, the doubling of the Luni–Samdari–Bhiladi railway line, a new 17 km line between Ringas and Khatushyamji, the doubling of lines from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur (131 km) and Ajmer to Chittorgarh (171 km), gauge conversion between Mavli and Devgarh Madariya, and new lines from Ras to Merta and from Ramganj Mandi to Bhopal via Neemuch and Badi Sadri.

He also mentioned that the Centre is actively pursuing approval for a new Ratlam-Banswara-Dungarpur railway line, with ongoing discussions between the central and Rajasthan governments.

Reaffirming the government's commitment, Vaishnaw stated that Indian Railways is dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and modern travel services, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development for all, especially the poor and middle class.