Indian Railways Tests Drone Cleaning On Amrit Bharat Express In Gujarat | A Smart Move Toward Cleaner Railways

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

The Indian Railways has embarked on a groundbreaking journey toward modernization by testing drone-based cleaning technology on the Amrit Bharat Express in Gujarat. This innovation marks a significant leap in railway maintenance and automation, reflecting India’s commitment to adopting smart and sustainable technologies in its infrastructure.

As the country continues to expand its railway network, the integration of drone technology promises to revolutionize how trains are maintained, cleaned, and operated—ushering in a new era of efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The Beginning of Drone Cleaning Trials in Gujarat

In a pioneering move, the Western Railway zone of Indian Railways has initiated drone cleaning trials at one of its key maintenance depots in Gujarat. The test was carried out on the Amrit Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train known for its passenger comfort and efficiency.

The initiative focuses on using drones equipped with high-pressure water jets and disinfectant spraying systems to clean hard-to-reach areas of trains—such as rooftops, windows, and exteriors—that traditionally require manual labor or heavy machinery.

Railway officials confirmed that the technology aims to reduce manual intervention, improve safety, and enhance turnaround time for cleaning operations.

How Drone Cleaning Works

The drone cleaning system is designed to deliver precision and efficiency. Each drone is equipped with:

High-pressure nozzles capable of spraying water mixed with biodegradable cleaning agents.
360-degree cameras for real-time monitoring of cleaning operations.
AI-guided navigation systems to map the train’s exterior surfaces accurately.
Automated sensors that adjust water pressure based on dirt intensity.

The cleaning process begins with the drone scanning the entire train surface. Once the scan is complete, it automatically determines the dirtiest areas and begins targeted cleaning. Within minutes, the drone can clean a full train coach, a task that usually takes several workers and hours when done manually.

Why Indian Railways Is Turning to Drones

The decision to deploy drones for cleaning and maintenance stems from several strategic goals:

Safety of Workers: Cleaning train rooftops and undercarriages can be risky. Drones eliminate the need for human workers to climb onto trains.
Time Efficiency: Traditional cleaning can take 3–4 hours per rake. Drone cleaning cuts this down to less than an hour.
Water Conservation: Smart drones use pressurized cleaning systems that reduce water usage by up to 40%.
Consistency: Automated cleaning ensures every inch of the train receives the same level of attention, reducing human error.
Sustainability: The use of eco-friendly cleaning solutions aligns with Indian Railways’ goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030.

This step is also in line with the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which emphasizes modernization, technology adoption, and improved passenger experience.

Amrit Bharat Express: The Perfect Test Model

The Amrit Bharat Express has become a symbol of innovation and progress within Indian Railways. Launched to serve the needs of the middle-income segment, it combines affordability with superior design. The train features:

Enhanced seating comfort similar to premium express trains.
Modern interiors and improved ventilation systems.
Energy-efficient lighting and upgraded safety mechanisms.

Testing drone cleaning on this train serves as a pilot project for future expansion across the Indian Railways network. If successful, drone cleaning could soon become a standard practice for other premium and semi-high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express and Tejas Express.

Technological Partners and Development

The drone cleaning system is developed in collaboration with Indian startups specializing in robotics and automation. These companies are providing custom-designed drones built to withstand railway conditions—such as strong wind currents, high humidity, and varying terrain.

Additionally, the Railway Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) is working closely with developers to ensure the drones meet safety and operational standards. The testing phase includes AI calibration, remote control safety trials, and battery endurance evaluations under field conditions.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Adopting drone cleaning is not only a technological upgrade but also a sustainability milestone.

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Electric-powered drones minimize diesel or fuel-based machinery.
Water Savings: Precision cleaning reduces wastage.
Lower Labor Costs: Automation cuts down recurring manual cleaning expenses.
Extended Train Life: Regular, uniform cleaning prevents corrosion and prolongs the lifespan of train components.

By reducing operational costs and improving efficiency, Indian Railways aims to save millions annually, funds that can be redirected toward passenger amenities and network expansion.

Gujarat as the Innovation Hub

Gujarat has often been a testing ground for major Indian Railways innovations—from Vande Bharat Express trials to smart station upgrades. Its advanced infrastructure, availability of skilled manpower, and proactive state policies make it ideal for technology testing.

Officials indicated that once the drone cleaning trial results are validated, the project will be extended to major depots in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai within the next phase of rollout.

Future of Automation in Indian Railways

The drone cleaning initiative is just the beginning. Indian Railways is exploring a range of automation technologies, including:

AI-based track inspection drones to monitor wear and tear.
Thermal scanning drones for detecting electrical faults.
Robotic cleaners for train interiors and station platforms.
Data-driven predictive maintenance using IoT sensors.

These technologies are expected to reduce maintenance downtime and boost passenger safety, supporting Indian Railways’ vision of becoming one of the world’s most advanced railway networks.

Challenges Ahead

While the initiative holds great promise, officials acknowledge several challenges that need addressing before full-scale implementation:

Regulatory approvals from aviation authorities for drone operations near stations.
Battery endurance to ensure continuous cleaning of long trains.
Maintenance and calibration of drones in extreme weather.
Training for operators and depot staff to handle automated systems safely.

Despite these challenges, the success of the Gujarat trials is expected to pave the way for broader adoption across India’s railway network.

Public Response and Expectations

Railway passengers and enthusiasts have expressed excitement over this futuristic development. On social media, many praised Indian Railways for adopting cutting-edge cleaning methods that improve hygiene and safety.

Experts believe that if implemented nationwide, drone cleaning could become a global benchmark for railway maintenance and sustainability—positioning India as a leader in railway innovation.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Smarter, Cleaner Railways

The drone cleaning trials on the Amrit Bharat Express in Gujarat mark a historic step in Indian Railways’ modernization drive. This innovation reflects a broader vision—to combine technology, efficiency, and sustainability for a cleaner and smarter transport future.

As the trials progress, the world will be watching how India transforms its massive railway ecosystem with automation. The successful deployment of drone cleaning could redefine not just how trains are cleaned—but how technology serves public infrastructure at scale.