For countless passengers, a journey on Indian Railways has often been marred by filthy
and smelly toilets. This has led to passenger discomfort and hygiene concerns. Indian
Railways is embracing technology and innovation in a bid to revolutionize train sanitation.
The Railways Board has partnered with Viliso Technologies, a Mumbai-based startup
specializing in IoT-based environmental monitoring products. Viliso’s sensors will be
deployed in a pilot program to detect unpleasant odors in train toilets. These sensors,
including the aptly named “Gandhvedh”, will be installed on coaches manufactured by
Linke Hofmann Busch and Integral Coach Factory.
These sensors monitor real-time data like odor levels, temperature, and humidity within
the toilets. Information about spike in odor levels can be transmitted wirelessly to a
central system, alerting cleaning staff and enabling them to address the issue.
Premium Vande Bharat trains are also set for an upgrade. Passengers on these trains can
look forward to the introduction of hot water showers in first-class carriages.
Indian Railways is exploring ways to improve existing cleaning methods and identify more
effective cleaning chemicals. This two-pronged attack – leveraging technology for real-time
monitoring and implementing better cleaning practices – has the potential to significantly
improve toilet hygiene on trains.
However, one crucial challenge remains: ensuring proper infrastructure for trackside
workers responsible for refilling water during train maintenance. A report by the Centre for
Advanced Maintenance Technology (CAMTech) has highlighted the lack of proper facilities
for these workers, posing a significant hurdle in maintaining adequate water supply for
cleaning.
The pilot program with IoT sensors, if successful, could pave the way for a wider rollout
across the vast Indian Railways network. A future where train journeys are not just about
reaching your destination, but also about a comfortable and hygienic travel experience, is
not far.
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