Use of German nano-technology started to remove gutkha stains at Matunga Road station.

Maharashtra: Western Railway (WR) has launched a new technological initiative at Mumbai’s Matunga Road station to tackle the problem of stubborn stains caused by gutkha and pan masala. This initiative employs German nano-technology—considered the first experiment of its kind in the railway system—aiming to facilitate the easy removal of permanent stains from station walls, pillars, and other surfaces, thereby improving cleanliness standards.

The pilot project incurred a cost of approximately ₹5 lakh. According to railway officials, the implementation of this technology will reduce the time required to clean stubborn stains from about 30 minutes to just 5 minutes. This will accelerate the cleaning process and enhance station maintenance.

Under this project, nano-coating has been applied to an area of ​​approximately 3,700 square feet within the station. The treatment covers eight distinct locations, primarily including walls, pillars, ceilings, elevators, and metal surfaces. The coating acts as a protective layer, preventing stains, paint, and grime from penetrating the surface.

Railway officials state that the technology’s key feature is that it protects the surface in such a way that stains can be easily removed using only water and standard cleaning agents. This simplifies the task for cleaning staff and saves time.

A senior Western Railway official explained that the decision to adopt this technology was made after various previous measures—such as imposing fines, conducting awareness campaigns, and implementing regular cleaning schedules—failed to fully curb the issues of spitting and littering at stations.

Officials believe that this new technology offers a technical solution rather than relying on behavioral change, potentially proving effective in the long run. If this pilot project proves successful, it could be implemented at other major railway stations as well. Following this initiative at Matunga Road station, local commuters have expressed hope that it will lead to a significant improvement in the station’s cleanliness. Commuters noted that stains on the platforms and walls had long been detracting from the station’s aesthetic appeal.

The railway administration believes that such modern technologies can redefine cleanliness standards within Indian Railways. Technologies like nano-coating not only simplify the cleaning process but also reduce both maintenance costs and the time required for upkeep.

This experiment is being viewed as a significant step towards enhancing cleanliness and modernization within the railway system. Officials stated that plans to adopt more such innovation-driven technologies at railway stations in the future would be considered.