Guwahati, 11 October (HS): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced enhanced on-board services in five trains to improve cleanliness, hygiene and passenger comfort, becoming the second railway zone in the country to implement the initiative.

The services were formally launched at Guwahati Railway Station on October 10 in the presence of the Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer (PCME) of NFR and other senior railway officials. The technology-enabled housekeeping initiative is being implemented by SMC Integrated Facility Management Solutions Limited, with dedicated teams deployed to maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the journey and promptly address passenger complaints.

The initiative covers five train services: Kamakhya–SMVT Bengaluru Express (12552/12551), commencing October 14; Guwahati–Kolkata Garib Rath Express (12518/12517), commencing October 10; Dibrugarh–Mumbai LTT Express (15946/15945), commencing October 11; New Jalpaiguri–Patna Vande Bharat Express (22233/22234) and New Jalpaiguri–Guwahati Vande Bharat Express (22227/22228), both commencing October 10.

Under the enhanced services, passengers will benefit from regular coach cleaning, air-conditioned coach window cleaning, improved washroom hygiene, efficient waste disposal and timely distribution and collection of linen. Dedicated personnel will also provide basic technical assistance, monitor water availability and address passenger complaints within a target of two hours. Unresolved issues will be escalated to the concerned railway authorities.

To ensure accountability and improve service delivery, the system incorporates digital monitoring, geo-tagged verification of services, staff tracking and centralised supervision. Real-time passenger feedback, star ratings and artificial intelligence-based cleaning assessments will also be used to evaluate performance and maintain service standards.

In a move to promote local craftsmanship, uniforms for the on-board service staff have been produced by local weavers with support from the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER).

Through the initiative, NFR aims to strengthen on-board housekeeping, raise hygiene standards and improve passenger satisfaction. The integration of technology-driven monitoring and responsive services is expected to provide passengers with a cleaner, safer and more comfortable travel experience.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash