Court notice to railways over filthy 'golden showers'

The golden showers syndrome pertaining to the Railways has been an age old issue that needs to be addressed at the earliest. Indian Railways being one of the largest Railways in the world in terms of track kms needs to upgrade its technological capabilities in order to improve the basic living conditions of other members living in proximity to the railway tracks or are passing under or near the railway tracks......

Hi Sulagna thank you 4 inviting me at this debate. The article is funny and also quite disturbing to learn, we need to address such matters in 2010. The golden droplets are no doubt a nuisance for the passer-by using that street. In most countries one could have filed a case of nuisance in Tort but sadly law of torts are not applicable in India. Although immediate solution for this problem is easy, authorities or groups can inform the concerned railway authorities about the problem repeatedly. As expected they will be either no reply or if even they receive a reply railways will take ages to take any action. Meanwhile authorities or group can file a petition (preferably PIL) against the railway authority demanding immediate action against negligence. In the petition itself one can demand/advise the railways to improve their sanitary infrastructure and surely to repair that bridge immediately. This process may take some time but believe me its effective.  

The technology in use in toilets requires an urgent change. Several proposals are pending with files collecting dust. railways must take this up with deserved urgency as it as well involves their track maintenance,repair and inspection teams to work under inhuman conditions.

If it doesnt happen at the regional or zonal level, take it up to the national level. The media can and should play a role in spearheading this case and make noise till something is done even if it has to be with private participation.

Yes I agree with you Ms.Sulagna.

The railway authorities should look into the matter very seriously, since it is a great concern for all passengers, and should initiate the remedial actions immediately.  

hi sulagna

the most used transport by people in today is railway. but it is not hygienic altogether it is worst among transport which everyone in daily life uses. govt need to do something for it's cleanliness and availability of seats to passengers especially older and women.child.    

This practice is wrought with sickness.  The people in the train may have serious illness and bringing their waste into contact with others is dangerous. 

Its not my interest only. In fact, its every Indians aspiration to have nice amenities in Railways. Look at the wonderful part of the world where they have nice and meaningful railway service. At least, you have seen in Movies the nicest part they have shown. There is no doubt that, India's Railway is Oldest and longest/largest in service for a very big population. The revenues they eke out is very large, giving duly all scope for miss-use of fund, Still, they have a large sum that can be used for welfare.

People, never even, mind in paying a bit extra for better amenities. No body rejects the AC service as it is expensive. First and foremost booking going full is in AC. It reflects the mass interest in travel. But ,why not, railway is not investing on this kind of sentiment when it prevails on earth?. When there is a potential to earn, there is, no fear to be shown by govt ,on investing money.

Introducing few rails in every budget is welcome & its shown as a new venture in railways service . An extra credit is gained in all election.But, they do not show interest in developing the railways. Because there is a vested interest in all sector that blocks whenever, new things are to be  introduced.

Since the other land transport. like motor cars are not meeting the very needs of most of the population.Every body try use railways.So, as a bridging measure & also as business strategy, railway need to enhance the amenities to International level.

Now, only passengers amenities to booking is streamlined, mainly to focus good revenue.But, they have not thought of giving adequate facility for what they are collecting for it. Hope near future some good will prevails in this direction.

See the Air industry exploded in the recent times. In similar way, Railway needs to be exploded. But, the stumble is where we are talking between Industries.

The system should change having collecting tanks and getting disposed at regular intervals

As fast they can, ASAP

A school girl from southern Tamil Nadu had invented a system for proper disposal of toilet waste for use in the trains. She even successfully demonstrated it to the then Railway Minister who had mentioned that this would be implemented. However, till now nothing has happened.

Simple - that there was no one to grease the palms of the railway officials in order to implement this system (this being an invention of an ordinary school child and not a big corporate flush with funds) this system has not been implemented.

The intelligent “Babus” would spend their time and effort trying and planning to make more money. Wouldn’t it be too much for a government/railway employee put his/her “Grey Cells” to use? After all, they are the highest paid employees – paid to gossip and rest at office (highest paid considering the number of hours of actual/real work done by them). What can we citizens expect from these unionized personnel.

Maybe Jayalalitha was right in treating the government employees like what she did.

I completely agree with Sulagna's opnion and personally the same thing has happened to my car while I was driving past a crossing in Faridabad. I am fortunate enough that the Golden shower's btunt has to be taken by my car.

The Railway Minister should have time for all these. What should have been changed much earlier is still exist since all the yes men/women are with Minister. It is actually a national shame.

Thanks Mr. Natteraja for referral. I think it is too late and we have to wait and see what steps railways will take and how long it will take. Unhygienic toilets reeking of human excreta is an environmental burden as well. It was decided during Mr. Lalu Prasrd's tenure to install eco friendly toilets and really don't know what is the status of it now.

Really it is shocking news on the poor maintenance of the toilet systems & the railway over bridges that have been a nuisance & irritation to the public. We must appreciate the move taken Mr.Joseph Chelliah for having filed the public interest litigation. And the division bench has also issued notice to the Zonal manager, Mumbai and to the Divisional Railway manager, Ahmadabad which is appreciable.  At least now the railway authorities should take necessary remedial action towards up grading the age old toilet systems in the trains and should ensure that the proper maintenance of the railway over bridges in order to stop the filthy shower over people passing.

Thanks for the referral Mr.Ravindra Ji.

Please.....obviously the neanderthal system of how the toilets are designed needs to be changed.