- Introduction
As part of the Indian Railways’ continuous efforts towards improving passenger amenities, sanitation and cleanliness at railway stations, CMLR Workshop, Jhansi, has undertaken an innovative initiative for installation of modular bio-toilets at NSG-6 category stations.
Modular bio-toilets have been installed at stations such as Matatila, Basai, Jakhora and Jiron through the efforts of CMLR Workshop’s in-house staff, utilizing available/reusable components recovered from coaches during POH repair activities.
This initiative demonstrates the effective utilization of usable coach components as a resource, thereby reducing expenditure, minimizing material wastage and providing improved sanitation facilities to passengers at stations where conventional toilet infrastructure are limited.
- Innovative Reuse of Coach Components
Under this initiative, usable components such as:
- FRP Lavatory Modules
- Bio-Tanks
- Water Tanks
- Reusable coach amenities and other accessories have been utilized for fabrication/installation of modular bio-toilet units.
Instead of treating these serviceable components as scrap, they have been put to productive use after inspection, cleaning, repair/refurbishment and necessary modifications.
This approach represents the principle of “Waste to Wealth” and optimum utilization of available railway resources.
- In-House Execution by CMLR Workshop
The modular bio-toilets have been installed through in-house manpower of CMLR Workshop, making effective use of the technical skills and experience of workshop personnel.
The work involved activities such as:
- Inspection of FRP lavatory modules, bio-tanks and water tanks.
- Cleaning, repair and refurbishment of components wherever required.
- Fabrication of supporting structures.
- Assembling of the modular toilet unit.
- Installation of water tanks and other sanitary arrangements.
- Provision of necessary plumbing and drainage connections.
The initiative has therefore been executed with minimum dependence on new materials, resulting in economical and sustainable creation of passenger amenities. - Passenger Utility at NSG-6 Stations
Stations such as Matatila, Basai, Jakhora and Jiron serve passengers from nearby villages and surrounding areas. Availability of hygienic toilet facilities is particularly important for passengers, including women, children, elderly persons and Divyangjan.
The modular bio-toilets provide passengers with a readily accessible sanitation facility within the station premises.
- Cost-Effective Solution
One of the major advantages of the initiative is its economical execution.
The use of available coach components, combined with in-house manpower and workshop fabrication facilities, significantly reduces the cost that would otherwise be incurred in constructing a completely new conventional toilet facility.
Thus, the initiative demonstrates that innovative reuse of available railway resources can create useful passenger amenities with substantially lower expenditure.
The initiative reflects:
“Reuse – Refurbish – Rebuild – Reuse for Passenger Service.”
It also highlights the technical capability and commitment of CMLR Workshop staff towards providing practical solutions to field requirements.
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