In a major step aimed at improving hygiene and passenger comfort, Indian Railways has decided to replace traditional chained mugs with modern jet sprays in train coach toilets. The move is expected to reduce water spillage, enhance cleanliness, and provide a more convenient travel experience.
According to Shashikant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Central Railway (NCR), jet sprays will help keep toilet floors dry and hygienic by preventing unnecessary water overflow. He said that the system has already been successfully introduced in select VIP and premium trains.
Following successful trials on selected trains under Northern Railway, authorities are now expanding the initiative. In the first phase, jet sprays will be installed as a pilot project in AC coaches of 10 major trains, including Humsafar, Sangam, and Shramik Shakti services.
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Railway officials stated that if the pilot project proves effective, the facility will be gradually extended to more trains and coaches across the network. The decision comes after consistent passenger feedback about slippery floors, foul odour and hygiene concerns caused by water spillage from traditional mugs.
The initiative is part of broader reforms under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to improve sanitation standards in trains. The Railway Board has also introduced a new onboard cleaning policy to ensure better accountability and efficiency.
Under the revised system a single agency will handle cleaning and linen services from origin to destination, coaches, toilets, blankets and bedsheets will be cleaned more frequently, toilets and coaches will undergo cleaning every hour, AI-based tools will monitor cleaning quality and geo-tagged photographs will be uploaded via an app to track cleaning activities.
Additionally, minimum qualifications for coach attendants and supervisors have been raised to Class 12 and ITI certification to ensure professional service standards. Railway officials said the switch to jet sprays addresses long-standing passenger complaints about wet floors, infection risks and inconvenience caused by accumulated water. The modern system is expected to improve sanitation, reduce accidents due to slippery surfaces and elevate the overall travel experience.
The Railways believes the reform marks an important step toward delivering cleaner, safer, and more world-class train travel across India.
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