In keeping with the standards of good and healthy living and the need for sanitation and cleanliness in public places in the country, both envisioned and practised by Mahatma Gandhi and as a tribute to him, Prime Minister  Narendra Modi and Sadananda Gowda,  Minister for Railways, the Railway officers and staff started a Shramdaan movement on Gandhi Jayanti.

The Minister for Railways initiated the Swachh Bharat campaign at New Delhi station. This special drive which could be termed as one of its kind massive cleanliness campaign includes Shramdaan and awareness activities to ensure greater level of hygiene and sanitation at stations, at workplaces, at workshops as well as at the railway colonies. Northern Railway officers undertook the cleanliness pledge at all divisional headquarters office and at various stations. leading the campaign from the front at New Delhi station, Gowda picked up the broom at footover bridge, platform number 16 and in the parking area at thei station.

Citizens were encouraged to come forward and participate in this campaign. Further, nukkad nataks were organised at railway stations, railway colonies and railway offices to motivate the Railway staff to keep their workplaces clean. Railways were assisted in this endeavor by civil defense officials, an NGO Chintan and schools along with scouts and guides from Railways Deterrent action was taken against rail users and catering contractors of trains who were found dirtying the railway station premises. A fine (upto Rs 500) was imposed upon passengers found littering the railway premises.