All trains under Thiruvananthapuram division get biotoilets

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Addressing a major cleanliness concern regarding trains and railway track, all trains handled by Thiruvananthapuram railway division have now been installed with biotoilets.
The division railway authorities, in the 73rd divisional railway users’ consultative committee (DRUCC) meeting held here on Friday, said the division has achieved the target well ahead of the deadline of July 31 set for that.
Thiruvananthapuram divisional railway manager Shirish Kumar Sinha said the biotoilets will improve the cleanliness of rail tracks and ensure hygiene at railway stations.
The installing of biotoilets in railway coaches began in 2011 and a campaign over the past six months speeded up the installation in 2,000-odd coaches handled by the Thiruvananthapuram division. “The old design of conventional toilet resulted in blockage of waste, raising a stink. This was reported to the engineering wing and they modified the design to prevent blocking. Also, the in-built air circulation system prevents any foul smell in toilet,” said a railway official.
The divisional railway manager said the punctuality of the division has improved commendably. The railway division, which was ranked 66 in the 69 railway divisions across the country for punctuality in September 2018, has improved its performance to bag 40th position in the ranking released last week.
“The punctuality of the division is 75% and the division has performed well on the safety front as well. This has been made possible by infrastructure development works such as track renewal. We have replaced nearly 130km of track till April in the division,” Sinha said.
The Thiruvananthapuram division has 13 rakes with Linke Hofmann Busch (LFB) coaches which has added safety features. From Sunday, train No.16346 / 16345 (Thiruvananthapuram Central – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus – Thiruvananthapuram Central Netravathi Express) will operate with LHB coaches.
DRUCC members also presented issues pertaining to early completion of ongoing projects, introduction of trains, additional stoppages and provision of improved amenities for passengers during the meet.