The Indian Railways is introducing IoT-based technologies for real-time odour monitoring of the on-board toilets. Viliso Technologies, a Mumbai-based startup specializing in odour detection, has been selected to pilot this technology in selected coaches of both Linke Hofmann Busch and Integral Coach Factory variants. This technology will also be tested on Vande Bharat (VB) sleeper trains, which are already equipped with ergonomically designed, odour-free toilets.
The Railway Board is exploring the use of Clonon concentrate, a new chemical agent proposed by Pune-based Dimple Chemicals & Services. This product claims to eliminate bacteria that cause unpleasant smells. This initiative extends to toilets across stations and office facilities as well.
Furthermore, Indian Railways is reassessing its train watering systems to minimize passenger inconvenience. A recommendation from the Centre for Advanced Maintenance Technology (CAMTECH) suggests extending the water filling time per rake from 10 to 15 minutes to better accommodate rising passenger volumes and increased water usage. Implementation challenges remain as some regional railways have yet to adopt the recommended measures fully.
