Danapur divisional railway manager LM Jha inaugurates the new systematic cleaning machine at Patna Junction on Thursday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

The next time you catch a train from Patna Junction, spotless platforms would greet you.

Systematic cleaning machines replaced the manual cleaning system of platforms on Thursday. Introducing these machines at platform number 1, divisional railway manager (DRM), Danapur, L.M. Jha said: “These machines are for various purposes and can be used for several works. It will not only clean the platform but will also maintain hygiene. The cleaning equipment comprise ride-on scrubber-dryer, walk behind, high pressure jet cleaner, vacuum cleaner and single scrubbers.”

Roots Group of Companies had bagged the bid to supply the 29 gizmos. It brought them from Coimbatore for Rs 65 lakh. On how the equipment function, the service engineer of the Roots Group of Companies, Pradeep Kumar Barik, said: “The ride-on scrubber dryer uses latest technology to clean platforms. You can easily sit over the battery-operated machine and run it. High pressure jet cleaners can be used for cleaning tracks. The rest can be used for cleaning the areas surrounding the enquiry counter, waiting room, reservation counter and also offices at the railway station.”

Barik added: “Brooms used to sweep the platforms would spill dust and waste on passengers. But these equipment prevents that and mixes a liquid with water to clean the floor.”

DRM Jha said: “It is really a big gift for Patna railway station in terms of maintaining cleanliness. Experts will train our employees to operate them properly. I would request commuters not to litter the station and keep it clean. They should use dustbins. After all, they will be the ones who will get this service.”

This system will also be introduced at Rajendra Nagar Terminus shortly.