Railway Minister suspends station master for dirty lavatories at Sabarmati railway station

AHMEDABAD: Union Railway Minister D V Sadananda Gowda suspended a railway station master after he found unhygienic lavatories at Sabarmati railway station during his surprise inspection here today.

"During a surprise inspection at Sabarmati railway station Union Railway minister D V Sadananda Gowda found lavatories in a filthy and unhygienic condition. He has suspended the station master for callousness," Railway Public Relations Officer (PRO) Pradip Sharma said.

The minister carried out a surprise check of Sabarmati railway station during his visit here today, and he went to every nook and corner of the railway station. He also met railway officials at the Ahmedabad Divisional Regional Manager's office.

During his interaction with reporters, Gowda said that wherever he went, he first checked the condition of general toilets to ensure if railway staff followed cleanliness.

When asked about the railway ministry's 'Clean India Campaign', Gowda said that cleanliness is the priority of his ministry and it has a detailed plan to implement it.

"Cleanliness is top priority for the Railways. I have asked all officials to ensure that they spend two to three hours at railway stations for the cleanliness campaign. Our Prime Minister has announced the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan for a clean India," Gowda said.

"I have requested all 13 lakh employees, by sending them messages to participate in the drive. I hope October 2 will be a golden day in the history of Indian Railways. I myself will participate in the drive with my officers," he said.

"Within three years, 13,000 bio-toilets will be set up so that human defecation will not fall on railway tracks," Gowda said.