RailEnquiry

HYDERABAD: A clean makeover awaits tracks and railways stations in the state as South Central Railway has decided to replace existing excreta disposal systems in trains with environment friendly bio-toilets.This venture was jointly developed by Railway Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) and Defence Research Development Establishment (DRDE).This January SCR installed 48 bio-toilets in two city bound trains.Kacheguda-Bangalore Express and Hussainasagar Hyderabad-Mumbai Express.Satisfied with the function, the authorities are going to fit 200 more bio-toilets in Padmavathi Express, Ajantha Express and all coaches of Hussainsagar Express."Previous improvisations over conventional toilets discharged wastes only when the train achieved 30 km per hour. This allowed stations to remain clean but tracks were getting dirty. We tested bio-toilets and found them satisfactory. So we have decided to replace existing toilets with the newer environment friendly toilets in a phased manner," said SCR chief public relations officer K Sambasiva Rao.

The bio-toilet consists of six components. Human wastes are digested by bacteria in one component and are reduced to harmless gases and water in the presence of chlorine in another component.

The unit costs Rs 80,000. SCR has already procured 80 of the 200 toilets which will be fitted in the next three months.