HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, July 23: In a significant step towards sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) convened a joint meeting with the Assam State Pollution Control Board (PCBA) and M/s Kusum Udyog, a PCBA-authorised plastic recycling agency, to chart a roadmap for plastic waste management at Guwahati Railway Station.
The meeting was chaired by M Kalimuthy, chief mechanical engineer (environment & housekeeping management), NFR.
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According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the meeting, held in Guwahati, aimed at developing and executing a long-term strategy to establish Guwahati Railway Station as the first plastic-free railway station in India.
Attended by officials from the NFR, PCBA, and representatives of the recycling industry, the session focused on mechanisms for the efficient segregation, collection, shredding, washing, and recycling of plastic waste generated on trains and within station premises.
During the discussions, M/s Kusum Udyog, Rangia, presented its preliminary approach and was tasked with submitting a detailed proposal outlining the cleaning, handling, and transportation of plastic waste from the station’s garbage storage units to authorised recycling facilities.
The meeting also undertook a thorough review of existing waste disposal practices and identified high-impact zones for intervention.
As part of the awareness component of the initiative, the Scouts and Guides of NFR carried out several public outreach activities to sensitise passengers and staff on the importance of responsible waste disposal.
These included placard campaigns, Nukkad Natak (street plays), and thematic drama performances within the station premises.
The awareness drive is seen as a critical element in promoting behavioural change and fostering community participation in the station’s green transformation.
In addition, the NFR has initiated immediate inspections of the station’s Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to ensure that both facilities are functioning optimally.
These efforts are intended to align with broader goals of environmental compliance and sanitation improvement at one of the busiest transit points in the Northeast.
The Assam Pollution Control Board lauded these coordinated measures and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the NFR through technical assistance, policy inputs, and regulatory oversight.
The Board emphasised the need for continued compliance, regular monitoring, and the gradual elimination of single-use plastics across railway operations.
Guwahati Railway Station, a vital hub under the NFR zone, handles over 100 trains daily, including premier services like the Rajdhani Express and Vande Bharat Express.
With its significant passenger volume and strategic location as a gateway to the Northeast, the station has been identified as a priority site for implementing eco-friendly and sustainable infrastructure models.
Officials stated that the collaborative efforts between the railway administration, state regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders reflect a shared vision of reducing environmental impact through innovation and accountability.
The move aligns with the Government of India’s broader mandate to curb plastic pollution and develop green transport nodes across the country.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to accelerate implementation of the proposed plastic waste management plan and transform Guwahati Railway Station into a model of eco-conscious rail operations in the country.
