An Indian Railways attendant was removed from service after a viral video showed him throwing a bag of garbage from the Sealdah-Ajmer Express (12987) on November 4. The Railways confirmed that contractual staffer Sanjay Singh was dismissed with immediate effect, and a penalty was imposed on the contractor.
The incident, captured by passenger Abhishek Singh between Kanpur and Jaipur, triggered widespread criticism of railway waste management practices. Authorities have since launched a counselling drive to ensure onboard housekeeping staff dispose of waste only at nominated stations.
Viral Video Sparks Cleanliness Debate
Passenger Abhishek Singh, who filmed the incident, shared the video on Instagram, showing the attendant tossing waste onto the tracks. When confronted, the staffer retorted, “Should I take it home?” The clip quickly spread across social media, garnering thousands of views and fuelling public outrage.
Indian Railways officials acknowledged the video’s authenticity and stated that such behaviour “compromises environmental responsibility and tarnishes the organisation’s image.” Swift disciplinary action, they added, reflects the department’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness and accountability onboard.
Railways’ Response and Broader Context
Railway spokespersons stated that the matter was “taken seriously at all levels.” The contractor responsible for the staffer has been fined, and all onboard housekeeping staff are now being counselled to follow proper waste disposal protocols.
This comes amid ongoing efforts by Indian Railways to promote its ‘Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat’ mission, which emphasises waste segregation, cleanliness drives, and enhanced passenger facilities. Officials also reiterated that regular inspections and awareness campaigns are being intensified to prevent similar lapses in the future.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident underscores how individual actions, no matter how small, can impact collective civic responsibility. The Railways’ quick response is commendable, but the episode highlights the continued need for sensitisation and systemic monitoring to nurture a culture of public cleanliness.
True progress lies not just in penalties but in fostering respect for shared spaces. How can we, as citizens, hold ourselves and institutions equally accountable for keeping our environments clean?
