Northeast Frontier Railway Conducts Its First Drone-Based Cleaning

A senior official recently revealed that the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) completed its first drone-based cleaning operation on a pilot basis at Kamakhya Railway Station in Assam, Assam Tribune reported.

It specifically targets the difficult-to-reach and higher areas of the station premises, as well as the roof and other areas of the train coach, showcasing the potential of the technology in enhancing cleanliness and hygiene. 

Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, chief public relations officer of NFR, stated that the cleaning operation encompasses areas such as the Kamakhya coaching depot sick line, the under-floor wheel lathe shed, the exterior dome of the station and several train coaches.

With this, the NFR showcases how Assam is advancing in technology. “The operation showcased the ability of drone technology to access and maintain elevated structures with precision and ease,” Sharma added.

NFR is now adopting innovative, technology-driven solutions to improve the efficiency, precision, and hygiene of its cleaning operations.

“Drone-based cleaning not only improves accessibility and precision but also reduces the dependency on manual labour in hazardous or elevated areas. The success of this pilot demonstration opens the door to broader implementation of drone-based cleaning across additional major stations and trains under the NFR network,” Sharma added.

The step is part of Indian Railways’ vision to incorporate cutting-edge, innovative maintenance practices that meet global standards. 

Sharma highlighted that the NFR continues to set a standard for sustainable, technology-driven improvements, trying to create a cleaner, safer, and more efficient environment for both passengers and railway employees.