Ever wondered how Indian Railways washes its coaches? Here is a quick guide and a video

Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, with over 1.2 million employees and a fleet of over 25,000 coaches. To keep these coaches clean and hygienic, Indian Railways uses a variety of methods, including Automatic Coach Washing Plants (ACWPs).

ACWPs are multistage external cleaning systems for coaches and trains. They use a combination of detergent solution, high pressure water jets, and vertical rotating brushes to clean the exterior of the coaches. ACWPs are also equipped with effluent treatment systems to recycle the water used in the washing process. They work just like a drive in automatic car wash.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how Indian Railways washes its coaches at ACWPs:

1. The train enters the ACWP and is aligned with the washing system.
2. Sensors detect the presence of the train and trigger the washing process.
3. A detergent solution is sprayed onto the coaches to loosen dirt and grime.
4. High pressure water jets are used to blast away the dirt and detergent solution.
5. Vertical rotating brushes scrub the coaches to remove any remaining dirt or grime.
6. The coaches are rinsed with clean water to remove any residual detergent solution.
7. A disinfectant is sprayed onto the coaches to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
8. The coaches are dried with high pressure air jets.
9. The train exits the ACWP and is ready for service.

ACWPs are a highly efficient way to clean train coaches. They can wash a full train of 24 coaches in just 7-8 minutes. ACWPs also save water, using up to 80% less water than manual washing methods.

In addition to being efficient and water-saving, ACWPs are also environmentally friendly. The effluent treatment systems used in ACWPs remove pollutants from the water before it is recycled and reused.

Watch a Railway Coach Being Washed by An ACWP:

Benefits of using ACWPs

• Efficiency: ACWPs can wash a full train of 24 coaches in just 7-8 minutes, which is much faster than manual washing methods.
• Water saving: ACWPs use up to 80% less water than manual washing methods.
• Environmental friendliness: ACWPs are equipped with effluent treatment systems that remove pollutants from the water before it is recycled and reused.
• Improved hygiene: ACWPs provide a more thorough and consistent cleaning than manual washing methods.
• Reduced labor costs: ACWPs are highly automated, which reduces the need for manual labor.

Conclusion

ACWPs are a state-of-the-art way to clean train coaches. They are efficient, water-saving, environmentally friendly, and provide improved hygiene. Indian Railways is committed to using ACWPs to keep its coaches clean and hygienic for its passengers.