ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP/DNA):In a bid to enhance cleanliness and improve passenger facilities, Pakistan Railways (PR) has signed agreements with five waste management organizations to ensure better sanitation at major railway stations across the country.According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the agreements have been signed with the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC), Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), Faisalabad Waste Management Company (FWMC) and Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC). Under these arrangements, the companies will manage cleanliness operations at railway stations in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan.
The scope of work includes maintaining cleanliness of platforms, parking areas, washrooms, washing lines, platform shelters and ceiling fans, as well as ensuring the regular removal of stagnant water from station premises.
A senior official of Pakistan Railways told Wealth Pakistan that the initiative is expected to significantly improve the overall environment at major railway stations, which serve thousands of passengers daily. Clean platforms, hygienic washrooms and well-maintained waiting areas will not only enhance passenger comfort but also help improve the public image of rail travel.
The removal of stagnant water and regular waste disposal will also help mitigate health risks, particularly during the monsoon season when unhygienic conditions can facilitate the spread of diseases.
He noted that partnering with professional waste management companies would bring greater efficiency, transparency and consistency to cleanliness operations. These firms possess trained manpower, modern equipment and established systems for waste collection and disposal—capabilities that Pakistan Railways previously lacked. The move is also expected to reduce the administrative burden on the department, allowing it to focus more on core operational priorities such as train punctuality, safety and passenger services.
He further said that improved cleanliness standards could encourage more people to opt for rail travel, contributing to higher passenger volumes and increased revenue. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader vision of modernising public transport and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
