Railways' Jhansi workshop builds bio-toilets from coach scrap for small stations

Railways adopts reuse‑refurbish‑rebuild model to create facilities at small stations

Kolkata, Aug 20

The bio‑toilets have been set up at the Matatila, Jiron, and Jakhora stations in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh, and at the Basai station in the Datia district of Madhya Pradesh. These stations fall under the Non‑Suburban Group (NSG)‑6 category and offer only the bare minimum facilities for passengers.

"The key feature of this initiative is the effective utilisation of useful and reusable components recovered from coaches during Periodic Overhauling (POH). These components include Fibre‑Reinforced Plastic (FRP) lavatory modules, bio‑tanks, water tanks and other reusable coach accessories. Instead of treating these components as scrap, they were inspected, cleaned, repaired and refurbished, wherever required, before being put to further use," a senior railway official said.

This is an example of optimum utilisation of existing railway resources and promotes the concept of 'Waste to Wealth', he added.

"The entire process of developing and installing the modular bio‑toilets was undertaken through the in‑house workforce of the CMLR Workshop. The activities included inspection of FRP lavatory modules, bio‑tanks and water tanks; necessary repair and refurbishment; fabrication of supporting structures; assembly of modular toilet units; and provision of water, sanitary, plumbing and drainage connections," he said.

The initiative has reduced dependence on new materials while making effective use of available resources and reflects the workshop's technical capabilities. Using reusable coach components, an in-house workforce, and workshop fabrication facilities has enabled the development of useful passenger amenities at a lower cost.

Matatila, Basai, Jakhora, and Jiron are NSG‑6 category stations that cater to passengers from nearby rural and local areas. Clean, convenient toilet facilities at such stations are particularly important for passengers, including women, children, senior citizens, and Divyangjan. The modular bio‑toilets provide passengers with improved and easily accessible sanitation facilities within the station premises.

According to another official, the initiative exemplifies the 'Reuse-Refurbish-Rebuild' approach by developing useful passenger amenities at lower cost through optimum utilisation of available resources. It also promotes an environmentally friendly, resource‑efficient solution while reflecting the CMLR Workshop's innovation and commitment to developing practical solutions in response to passenger needs.

Indian Railways classifies non‑suburban stations from NSG‑1 to NSG‑6, based on earnings and footfall. Stations that have an annual earning of up to Rs 1 crore and passenger footfall of 10 lakh are categorised as NSG‑6 stations.

Several such stations exist in the country's railway network, particularly in rural areas. Though small, they play an important role in keeping the local economy going by giving marginalised farmers access to markets. Because these stations have low footfall and generate less revenue, they have basic amenities, including a booking office, drinking water facilities, toilets, and seating arrangements.

— IANS