SCR battling to control pests, rodents and bed bugs

On an average, 773 rats and over 31,368 cockroaches per month are exterminated from coaches at Secunderabad and eight other coaching depots under SCR limits

Providing amenities to passengers is one of top priorities for the South Central Railway (SCR). One major concern of passengers is pest menace on trains in the form of rats, cockroaches and bed bugs. The complaints filed by passengers are mounting by the day at the central compliant system of the railway authorities.

On an average, 773 rats and over 31,368 cockroaches per month are exterminated from coaches at the Secunderabad Coaching Depot and eight other coaching depots within SCR limits.

All the coaches are disinfested through fumigation: every 15 days for AC coaches and monthly once for general coaches.

Glue pad cages are placed to trap rats. Anti-pest gel is used to kill cockroaches. Teams equipped with LED lights, insecticide guns and hot air blowers are deployed to eradicate bed bugs.

Strict supervision and follow up is maintained by the service providers, to ensure control and eradication of pests, rodents and bed bugs. This year, a penalty of Rs 40,000 was collected on the basis of complaints received about pests in coaches.

“Workers are made to clean the coach from 5am-9am and again from 4pm-8pm. This apart, a supervisor is deployed in every train and one janitor for every three coaches. Disinfestations are also carried out on platforms,” said, K Sambasiva Rao, CPRO.

Susma Srikumar, a regular traveller from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, said, “Leftover food by passengers attracts rodents. Passengers should cooperate to ensure control and eradication of the pests and rodents.” Ugandhar Dora, a senior citizen from Visakhapatnam, a regular traveller by Godavari Express said, “The source of bed bugs is passengers, who carry their luggage, like bedding's, suitcases and any other packages.”