The 114-km long Rameswaram-Manamadurai stretch in Tamil Nadu is India’s first green rail corridor (the first discharge-free route in railways) that ensures zero discharge of human waste on tracks in the section. The track was chosen as a part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. It was inaugurated on July 24 by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu through video conferencing from Chennai Station.
Also, he inaugurated high-speed Wi-Fi facility at Chennai Central Railway Station, and at Tiruchirappalli (all through video conferencing). Furthermore, he launched a traditional medicine centre between Tiruvallur and Thiruvalangadu stations.
The Indian Railways has taken a huge task of providing all its coaches with bio-toilets free from human waste discharge. This initiative will not only help improve hygiene and cleanliness but also prevent the tracks from corroding.
Railways has already provided its coaches with 40,750 bio-toilets and plans to equip more coaches with 30,000 bio-toilets by September 2016.
According to Mr. Prabhu, “During 2016-17, our target is to provide 30,000 new bio-toilets and the benefits are obvious. Before the end of March next year, the line to (from Jammu) Katra will also be human waste free.”
Consequently, this will also cut down on the maintenance cost significantly.
He further added, “I know we want to do more for Tamil Nadu. And for that, I had requested (Chief Minister) Jayalalithaa, one of the great leaders of the state and India, Madamji to join hands with us so that we can have a JV for development. So, we are awaiting a response from your state.”
He also expressed interest in increasing the speed of trains to 160 kmph from 110 kmph between New Delhi and Chennai. “The idea is that we should try to bring in high speed network to all the people of India which will help bring in a complete transformation. Completion of the trial between Mumbai and Delhi (will happen) in the next few days. If it is successful, it has been successful so far, then we will ask them to manufacture in India under PM’s Make in India programme”, Mr. Prabhu said.
