Kolkata, May 9, 2012: The Railways have found a way around a lingering problem: passengers with reservations on long-distance trains on South Eastern Railway will now get bottles of phenyl-like substances to ensure hygiene in toilets on board.

The experiment will start in the air-conditioned coaches on Duronto and other long-distance trains that take more than 30 hours to reach their destinations. If the experiment is successful, it will be introduced in more trains.

The exercise is the brainchild of South Eastern Railway General Manager A K Verma, who has the approval of the Railway Board. “One of the complaints we often receive is that on long-distance trains, toilets become dirty. Of course trains are cleaned during the journey, but even then, because of the distance, toilets get dirty. So we thought that if we provide bottles of phenyl-type substances along with the linen and bedroll to passengers of AC coaches, it will ensure hygienic toilets. The passengers can spray the premixed solutions on the flush before use. That will ensure complete sanitisation,” a spokesperson of South Eastern Railway told The Indian Express.

There is no such plan for sleeper class as yet because, according to the spokesperson, many passengers without reservations travel in these coaches. The material used will be non-poisonous to guard against any mishap. “It will be a totally herbal product... We will also provide soap strips,” the spokesperson said. The Railways will not charge extra for the service. “It will be a value addition to our service,” Verma said. (Source: The Indian Express)

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