In a groundbreaking move towards technological modernisation, Indian Railways has deployed a drone-powered cleaning and sanitation system at the Kamakhya Railway Station in Assam — marking the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country’s railway maintenance history.
The system uses drones equipped with high-pressure water jets to clean and sanitise previously hard-to-reach areas such as train rooftops, platform sheds, and overhead structures — tasks that were once labour-intensive, time-consuming, and risky for manual workers.
The introduction of drones not only improves operational efficiency and hygiene standards but also significantly enhances worker safety by eliminating the need for climbing dangerous heights or using scaffolding in congested spaces.
“This innovation is a part of our broader effort to modernise station management and ensure a cleaner, safer experience for both passengers and staff. Kamakhya is just the beginning.”
Located near the famous Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, the station sees a high volume of foot traffic from both tourists and pilgrims. The drone-cleaning system ensures sanitation without disrupting regular operations.
The initiative is being closely watched as a pilot project, with successful outcomes likely to encourage replication at other major railway hubs across India. It also aligns with the Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to green, smart, and sustainable infrastructure development.
As India steps further into the era of AI and automation, the Kamakhya model showcases how drone technology can transform even traditional sectors like railway maintenance — ensuring cleanliness, efficiency, and safety in one sweep.
