Indian Railways has decided to ban all types of single-use plastic starting this Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). Hence, all plastic material having a thickness of fewer than 50 microns will be banned. The decision follows the Prime Minister’s call to the country on Independence Day to do away with single plastic besides ensuring eco-friendly disposal of such plastic.
All railway vendors have been directed to avoid using plastic. Indian Railways employees have been told to reduce, re-use and refuse plastic products besides using inexpensive reusable bags.
IRCTC has been mandated to implement the return of plastic water bottles besides expediting installation of bottle crushing machines.
Also on the anvil is an awareness programme for railway passengers to reduce plastic use.