AI-Enabled Rail Services and Mandatory Tracking Devices to Boost Passenger Safety; One-Time Road Tax Camp Announced in Prayagraj

 Railways to Introduce Airline-Style Professional Services; Pilot in Five Trains per Zone

Prayagraj: The Railways is preparing to introduce professional and accountable services in trains on the lines of air travel.

In a significant move to enhance passenger experience, the Railway Board has decided to implement a new On-Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) policy to ensure clean coaches, time-bound toilet sanitation, improved linen quality, and trained staff onboard.

Under directives issued on February 17, a pilot project will be launched in five trains in every railway zone, including the North Central Railway, in the first phase.

If the results prove successful, the policy will be implemented across trains nationwide in a phased manner. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used for monitoring and supervision.

According to a letter issued by Love Shukla, Director (Environment and Housekeeping Management), Railway Board, the entire responsibility for cleaning, linen management, and onboard facilities will now rest with a single service provider.

This will ensure accountability from the start of the journey to the final destination and prevent lapses caused by multiple agencies handling different tasks.

As per the new policy:

• Toilets must be cleaned every hour between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and again between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• During the remaining hours, cleaning will be mandatory every two hours.
• AI-based tools will be used to monitor cleaning quality.
• Before-and-after photographs must be uploaded to a mobile application with geo-tagging.

Shashikant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Central Railway, confirmed that the process of implementing the new OBHS policy has already begun.

 Commercial Vehicles to Require Tracking Devices; No Fitness Certificate Without VLTD and Panic Button

Prayagraj: In a major step toward enhancing road safety, no commercial vehicle will be allowed to operate in the district without a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) and a panic button.

The Transport Department has made it clear that after April, fitness certificates will not be issued to vehicles that do not have these devices installed.

This order will affect buses, trucks, taxis, school vans, and all other commercial vehicles.

ARTO Administration Rajiv Chaturvedi stated that new commercial vehicles are already being fitted with VLTD and panic buttons at the manufacturing stage.

The rule will now apply equally to older vehicles. Vehicle owners must install the devices through authorised agencies and link them to the Transport Department portal.

In case of an emergency, pressing the panic button will immediately alert the control room, and the vehicle’s location can be tracked.

According to the department, after April 2026, any commercial vehicle without an active VLTD and panic button will fail the fitness test.

This move is being considered a crucial step for safety. During a drive conducted by the RTO in July last year, inspections of school vehicles revealed that most did not have tracking and panic devices installed.

The implementation of VLTD and panic buttons is expected to significantly improve road safety, especially for women passengers, school vehicles, and long-distance buses.

It has also been noted that vehicle fitness inspections are now being conducted in Mirzapur or Pratapgarh instead of Prayagraj.

 One-Time Road Tax Information Camp for Small Commercial Vehicle Owners

Prayagraj: The Transport Department has introduced a new arrangement for small commercial vehicle owners.

Commercial vehicles with a capacity of less than 7,500 kilograms are eligible for a one-time road tax payment facility. Owners of such vehicles will now be required to deposit a lump-sum tax similar to that of private vehicle owners.

ARTO Administration Rajiv Chaturvedi informed that a Transport Fair will be organised at the RTO office on February 20 and 21 to provide detailed information about the one-time tax system.

Vehicle owners can attend the camp to receive guidance and clarification regarding the new provision.

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