India Gears Up for 'Plastic Free Railways’ from October 2

Plastic pollution poses a big threat to all countries across the globe. In a move to free the country from the burden of plastic, the Ministry of Railways has directed all regional offices to ensure complete removal of single-use plastics from all railways stations effective from 2^nd October 2019. 

The Railways said that the plastic material with less than 50 microns thickness will be banned. 

“Under the revised rules, single-use plastic shall not be less than 50 microns, except where the thickness of such plastic sheets impairs the functionality of the product”, said the ministry. 

The Railway board also said that bottle crushing machines will be expeditiously provided for this purpose. Moreover, the Railways will work with vendors at all railway platforms to encourage them not to use single-use plastics. 

“As part of Extended Producer Responsibility, the IRCTC should implement the return of plastic bottles at railways stations,” said the policy order. 

“Plastic Free Railway” will be implemented strictly which enforced on railway stations and other properties across the country. 

The Ministry has also instructed its Railway units to administer a pledge to cut the use of plastics on October 2 and take measures to create awareness among railway users.