Indian Railways Achieves a Historic Feat:
In an unprecedented display of efficiency and coordination, Indian Railways successfully carried out the “14 Minute Miracle” scheme, ensuring the simultaneous cleaning of Vande Bharat Trains stationed across the country. This remarkable achievement, conducted as part of the Swachhata Pakhwada initiative, marked a historic milestone for the railway network.
Under the visionary guidance of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Indian Railways embarked on this ambitious endeavor. The groundbreaking feat was executed with precision and speed, emphasizing the commitment to cleanliness and passenger satisfaction.
The “14 Minute Miracle” Unveiled:
The “14 Minute Miracle” scheme was introduced to streamline the quality cleaning of Vande Bharat Express train rakes at terminal stations across the country. This innovative approach was officially implemented on October 1, 2023, heralding a new era of efficiency in railway cleaning operations.
Cleaning in Action:
The cleaning operation took place on key routes, including Solapur-Mumbai, Mumbai-Sainagar Shirdi, and Bilaspur-Nagpur, where Vande Bharat Trains were stationed at their terminal stations. The entire process was conducted with meticulous planning and execution.
The cleaning process was managed by a team of 44 dedicated cleaning staff organized into three teams, namely Team A, Team B, and Team C. Each team had specific responsibilities, ensuring the comprehensive cleaning of train interiors and exteriors.
- Team A: Focused on Toilet Cleaning
- Eight staff members were deployed, with each responsible for cleaning two coach toilets.
- The tasks included collecting garbage, cleaning washbasins, lavatory seats, floors, and mirrors within the lavatories.
- An impressive average of four lavatories were cleaned by each staff member in just 14 minutes.
- Team B: Dedicated to Coach Compartment Cleaning
- Thirty-two staff members were assigned to clean the compartments, excluding toilets.
- Two staff members were deputed in each coach to carry out tasks like garbage collection, snack table cleaning, panel cleaning, seat cleaning, and compartment floor mopping.
- Specific timeframes were allocated for each task, ensuring efficiency in the cleaning process.
- Team C: Focused on External Panel Cleaning
- Four staff members were responsible for cleaning all windows.
- Each staff member was allotted four coaches, allowing them to clean windows within 3.5 minutes per coach.
The ’14 Minute Miracle’ Challenge:
While the “14 Minute Miracle” scheme presented a formidable challenge, the Mechanical (Coaching) Division of Mumbai Division harnessed innovation, advanced techniques, and specialized equipment to accomplish the task with exceptional efficiency.
Documentation and Future Improvements:
The cleaning activities carried out under the “14 Minute Miracle” scheme will be thoroughly documented, facilitating analysis and feedback mechanisms. Indian Railways plans to use this feedback to further refine and enhance the scheme’s effectiveness.
This groundbreaking initiative highlights Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to cleanliness, efficiency, and passenger satisfaction. The “14 Minute Miracle” sets a new standard for railway cleaning operations and showcases the potential for innovation within the railway network.
