Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the general Coaches of trains will now be cleaned at par with first class coach. Addressing a press conference on Railway reforms in New Delhi today, Mr Vaishnaw said that initially 80 long distance trains will be identified within six month for the enhanced cleaning initiative. He said, dedicated staff will be deployed on these trains to ensure cleaning at intervals of one to one-and-a-half hours.

Mr Vaishnaw added that continuous cleaning of toilets, garbage bins, and cabins will be ensured. He added that linen distribution, collection, packing and cleaning, which were earlier handled by different firms, will now be managed by a single agency to ensure greater accountability and efficiency.

Mr Vaishnaw said that a total of 124 Gati Shakti cargo terminals are being established within three years covering 18 states and Union Territories. He said, these terminals have enhanced multi model connectivity and reduce logistic cost across the country. The Minister said, Indian Railways has become the second largest cargo carrier in the world.

Railways Minister underlined that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, around 180 reforms have been implemented over the past decade. Mr Vaishnaw said, government has decided to bring major reforms in Railways, aiming for 52 reforms in 52 weeks this year.