The Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway recently orchestrated a significant cleanliness drive, “Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 – Swatchhotsav,” as part of the nationwide “Ek Ghanta, Ek Din, Ek Saath” initiative. The flagship event took place at Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, officially launched by Manu Goel, an Additional Member of the Railway Board.
This impactful event featured a range of engaging awareness programs. Highlights included the distribution of 50 saplings to eager students and passengers, alongside a prize ceremony for winners of various related competitions. Inspiring speeches were delivered by students from PM Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kadavanthra, while students from Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT) Ernakulam showcased vibrant cultural performances, underscoring the vital role of community involvement in promoting cleanliness.
Furthering the message of environmental responsibility, a creative ‘waste to art’ exhibition was unveiled. A spirited ‘Swachhata Rally’ commenced, and an innovative “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR)” stall, managed by the NGO Greenworms, was formally opened by Mr. Goel. The day concluded with the distribution of informative awareness posters and pamphlets to passengers. The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from a broad spectrum of individuals, including railway staff, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, Southern Railway officers and staff, ‘Rail Sahayaks,’ and ‘Safai Mitras.’
Beyond the main gathering in Ernakulam, similar cleanliness efforts were extended across several other key railway stations. These included Kanniyakumari, Nagercoil Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kochuveli, Varkala Sivagiri, Kayamkulam Junction, Alappuzha, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Changanassery, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, and Guruvayur. Notably, at Thiruvananthapuram Pettah Railway Station, medical officers and staff from the Divisional Railway Hospital collaborated to clean and revitalize the station’s garden area.
Specifically at Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, the NSS Unit of University College, Thiruvananthapuram, joined forces with station officials, RPF personnel, and Safai Mitras. Together, they took the ‘Swachhata’ pledge, organized an awareness rally, and actively engaged in *shramdaan* (voluntary labor) activities. Additionally, a human chain was formed to raise awareness, and a comprehensive cleanliness drive was conducted for passengers on both trains and platforms.