Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat: Bio-toilets Installed In 3,247 Coaches Under The East Coast Railway

Bhubaneshwar: Taking a step in the direction of environmental cleanliness, bio-toilets have been fitted in all 3,247 coaches under the East Coast Railway (ECoR), that convert human waste into water and bio-gasses, a statement from the ECoR said on Wednesday (July 29). “In order to continue its efforts to provide clean and eco-friendly travel and fulfilling its commitment towards the “Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat” campaign, the ECoR has successfully completed the installation of bio-toilets in trains in all 3,247 coaches, including 2,534 ICF coaches, and 713 LHB coaches. These bio-toilets convert human waste into water and bio-gases with the help of bacteria, along with a Venturi system invented by ECoR for better ventilation of fresh air in the units. This mechanism of bio-toilets is very helpful in the sustainable management of solid waste,” read the statement.

Also Read: Swachh Rail-Swachh Bharat: Why The Big Push To Bio-Toilets?

As per the statement, the installation of the bio-toilets would not only help maintain cleanliness by preventing the discharge of human waste on railway tracks but also protect tracks from corrosion, thereby reducing the cost of maintenance of Railway assets and improving the safety of train operation.

In addition to all this, the Venturi system concept will ensure cross ventilation of fresh air in the toilets. It will overcome the issue of the foul smell that may come from the bio-toilets. The ECoR is also providing a soft flush system in bio-toilets for easy flushing out of waste. Litter bins are provided in each toilet fitted with bio-tanks to avoid dumping of waste into toilet pans, the statement added.

For awareness of passengers about the proper use of bio-toilets, pictorial messages are displayed in coaches about Do(s) and Don’t(s) activities.

Also Read: Coronavirus Free Passenger Journey: Indian Railways Prepare For The ‘New Normal’, Design First ‘Post COVID Coach’

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.