The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully completed its first drone-based cleaning operation at Kamakhya Railway Station in Assam, marking a significant step towards improving cleanliness and hygiene, a senior official announced on Sunday.
The pilot project focused on cleaning hard-to-reach areas, including high-rise structures at the station, as well as the roofs and outer portions of train coaches. The operation demonstrated how drone technology can enhance cleaning efficiency and precision.
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma explained that the operation covered several areas, including the Kamakhya coaching depot sick line, under-floor wheel lathe shed, the exterior dome of the station, and multiple train coaches.
“The operation showed how drones can effectively access and clean elevated structures with ease,” said Sharma.
This initiative reflects NFR’s commitment to embracing innovative technologies to improve cleaning operations. Sharma added that drone-based cleaning reduces the need for manual labor in hazardous or difficult-to-reach areas.
The success of this pilot program could lead to the wider use of drone-based cleaning across other major stations and trains within the NFR network. This move is in line with Indian Railways’ goal of adopting smart, tech-driven maintenance practices that meet international standards.
“Northeast Frontier Railway continues to lead in sustainable and technology-driven innovations, creating a cleaner, safer, and more efficient environment for passengers and railway personnel,” Sharma concluded.
