In a move to provide a healthy and eco- friendly environment to the rail commuters, South Eastern Railway has decided to develop Ranchi station in Jharkhand and Digha station in West Bengal as Eco- Smart stations in the eastern region. Measures are already being taken in connection with the development of these stations.
“Work is already in progress at the station in the State’s capital. A bottle crushing machine has been installed on the station premises. Similar machines have also been put up at Hatia and Muri station of Ranchi Division”, said Suhas Lohakare, Senior Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ranchi Division, SER. These machines have made work for the railway authorities much easier in the disposal of the numerous bottles collected from the train coaches and the station premises on a daily basis. They also prevent the sewage from clogged thus putting a check on the accumulation of filth and mulch.
Ranchi Railway Station also has an electronic toilet or e-toilet. Access to the unmanned toilet is controlled by a door which automatically opens upon inserting a five rupee coin in the slot provided. Once the door opens, the light also switches on automatically. “At the moment there is just one e- toilet which has been put up. This is a common toilet for both ladies and gents. If the toilet is dirty, then even upon inserting money the door will not open”, added the PRO.
“We have also banned the use of plastic in the station and are promoting the use of thermacool. The stalls at the station and the catering coaches also don’t use plastic bags and cups anymore. All trains originating from the state’s capital do not use plastic. All the lights at the station have been replaced with LED fittings which consume much less energy,” remarked Lohakare.
“Pest control is done on a regular basis in the station, on the trains and particularly in the track area. For the beautification of the station a lot of trees were planted last year and planning is still on with the forest department for planting more trees”, added the officer.
There is also a provision for taking suggestions and feedback from the general public regarding the Eco Smart Station on the web page of South Eastern Railway. A separate email address has also been created for the same- ecosmart.stn@ser.railnet.gov.in.
