Now a clean coach is just a simple text message away. Indian Railways has launched the much needed on demand service to clean the coach. This can be a real blessing for the passengers as we all are aware of the pathetic hygiene conditions prevailing in the public transport facilities in India. This is how you can make use of this service.
For any cleaning requirement in the coach, passengers may send their requests as SMS to 58888 by typingCLEAN < Space >< 10-digit PNR number>. The software named OBSERVE (On Board Services) will forward the request to mobile phone of the cleaner present in the particular train directly. The Railway Administration will also simultaneously receive an intimation of such requests for follow up. This means that you will get a code in reply as soon as you send the SMS. A message will be sent by the server to the mobile number of On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) staff travelling on the same train along with the details of the passenger such as coach number, berth number. Then the OBHS staff will get into action and reach the passenger to carry out the cleaning duties.
Presently, only around 600 trains are covered under this scheme. Service is expected to cover many more trains and routes soon. Here is the press release by the Indian Railways.