As part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva Swachhata Pakhwada from 15th September 2023 to 2nd October 2023, the Indian Railways is working towards a cleaner, more sanitized railway system through a multitude of activities that aim to bring about a holistic change. In this year's edition, there is a special emphasis on the cleanliness of railway tracks at stations, approaches to major stations, and the elimination of plastic waste from railway premises. It's a multifaceted approach to ensure that every nook and cranny of the railway network adheres to the principles of cleanliness and sustainability. The campaign includes Swachh Samwaad (Clean Dialogue), Swachh Railgaadi (Clean Trains), Swachh Station (Clean Stations), Swachh Parisar (Clean Premises), Swachh Aahar (Clean Food), and Swachh Prasadhan (Clean Pantries) among others.
In the first nine days of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, from the 15th to the 24th of September 2023, more than 1.5 lakh individuals enthusiastically participated, dedicating a collective 498,265 man-hours to the campaign. This sheer number reflects the deep-rooted sense of responsibility and ownership that the citizens have taken towards making the railways cleaner and more hygienic. The railways have adopted a comprehensive approach to raise awareness among passengers. The Swachhata Hi Seva logo and banners are prominently displayed on the Railways' official website. Announcements are made to educate passengers about proper waste disposal on trains and at stations. Prabhat Pheris, morning processions, are organized under the slogan “Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat” to create awareness about the campaign.
