In a first, drone-based cleaning of train coaches and station carried out at Assam's Kamakhya

At Kamakhya railway station in Assam, a drone-based cleaning operation was conducted in train coaches and railway stations as part of a first-ever experiment.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that Tuesday’s demonstration specifically targeted the cleaning of high-rise and difficult-to-reach structures within the station premises, as well as the roof and outer areas of train coaches, showcasing the potential of drone technology in enhancing cleanliness and hygiene.

He mentioned that the areas covered during the experimental cleaning included the Kamakhya coaching depot sick line, under-floor wheel lathe shed, the exterior dome portion of Kamakhya station, and several train coaches. The operations effectively showcased the capability of drone technology to efficiently access and maintain elevated structures with precision and ease, the CPRO said.

CPRO Sharma stated that this initiative reflects NFR’s continued commitment to adopting innovative, technology-driven solutions for enhanced cleaning operations, aiming to improve efficiency, precision, and hygiene across railway premises. “Drone-based cleaning not only improves accessibility and precision but also reduces the dependency on manual labor in hazardous or elevated areas,” he said.

The official noted that the success of this pilot demonstration opens the door to wider implementation of drone-based cleaning across additional major stations and trains under the NFR network. It aligns with Indian Railways’ vision of embracing cutting-edge, smart maintenance practices that adhere to international standards.

Northeast Frontier Railway continues to lead the way with sustainable, tech-driven innovations, fostering a cleaner, safer, and more efficient railway environment for both passengers and railway personnel, the CPRO stated.