Question : Bio-Toilets

(a) the details of the number of trains in which bio-toilets have been introduced so far across the country, State/UT-wise including Kerala and Gujarat alongwith the details of the funds sanctioned, allocated and utilised for this;

(b) whether the Government proposes to introduce this facility in all trains and if so, the details thereof along with the targets set in this regard;

(c) whether the Government has received any complaints regarding foul smell and choking of bio-toilets in trains;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken to deal with this situation; and

(e) whether the Railways intends to outsource the work of cleaning of trains and stations to enhance the level of cleanliness, if so, the details of the same and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) Approximately 55% of the total passenger carrying coaches over Indian Railways have been installed with bio-toilets. The details of trains are not maintained State/UT-wise. However, the zone-wise details of some of the trains having coaches equipped with bio-toilets are appended.
For retro-fitment of environment friendly green toilets/bio-toilets in existing in-service coaches in Zonal Railways, ` 3764.6 Crores have been sanctioned with an allocation of ` 608 Crores for the year 2017-18. Expenditure of ` 539 Crores approximately has been booked by Zonal Railways on bio-toilets till November 2017. In addition, expenditure of ` 406 Crores approximately have been made by coach Production Units of Indian Railways for installation of bio-toilets in newly manufactured coaches so far.

(b) Yes, Madam. Indian Railways have set in-house target to complete the work of installation of bio-toilets in all coaches by March 2019.

(c) & (d) Yes, Madam. Indian Railways have received the complaints regarding foul smell and choking of bio-toilets in trains. Generally, the problems of choking and foul smell in coach lavatories are due to use of toilet pan as garbage bins, inadequate water flow in flushing and inadequate ventilation. Individual dust bins in each coach lavatory have been made mandatory to enable the passengers to use dustbins, thus preventing the toilet pans/bowls from being dumped with inorganic waste. Improvement to flushing system and ventilation are also underway to eliminate foul smell.
(e) Railways have taken various measures for improving cleanliness of stations and trains.

With increase in passenger services, Railways do not have adequate staff for cleaning of all the trains and stations. Where adequate departmental staff is not available, Railways engage professional housekeeping agencies through outsourcing for cleaning of coaches of trains and stations with aim to provide clean and hygienic environment to passengers.
For improving upon the standards of cleanliness in trains, schemes like “Mechanized cleaning of coaches” in maintenance depots, “On Board Housekeeping Services (OBHS)” for cleaning of coaches on run in important mail/express trains, “Clean My Coach” service on demand in OBHS trains, and cleaning attention to trains during their stoppage at “Clean Train Stations” enroute have been provided. These schemes are mostly outsourced.
Integrated housekeeping contracts are provided at major stations.
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