NEW DELHI. Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a landmark shift in railway operations starting in 2026, focusing on a continuous cleaning model for long-distance trains. Moving away from the limited Clean Train Station concept, the new system integrates end-to-end cleaning from origin to destination, covering toilets, cabins, and garbage removal. Notably, for the first time in history, general coaches will receive the same high cleaning standards as reserved coaches. This reform will be managed by professional teams under strict service level agreements and monitored via AI-generated images in dedicated war rooms to ensure total accountability.
The second major reform focuses on the expansion of the Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) Policy to significantly boost rail-based logistics. Building on the success of 124 existing terminals, the government aims to increase this number to over 500 within the next five years. The updated policy introduces cargo plus processing hubs, allowing activities like cement grinding or food grain bagging to happen directly within terminal premises. This integration eliminates logistical barriers, reduces the need for external processing, and is expected to generate an additional 30,000 crore in revenue over the next three years.
To support long-term investment and ease of doing business, the railway ministry has extended contract tenures for cargo terminals from 35 to 50 years. The reform also simplifies infrastructure maintenance, allowing the Railways to maintain private connecting tracks on a payment basis to improve safety. Furthermore, a new dispute prevention framework and standardized technical designs have been introduced to fast-track approvals and reduce litigation. By lowering transportation costs and reducing pollution through scientific bulk transport, these reforms aim to make Indian Railways the preferred choice for both passengers and industrial freight.
