Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced waterless urinal technology in six WAG-9HC class locomotives as part of efforts to enhance the working conditions of loco pilots. The initiative, spearheaded by the Electric Loco Shed at Malda Town (MLDT), is aimed at improving resource conservation, convenience, and safety during train operations.
Previously, loco pilots operating goods trains, often for 7-8 hours at a stretch, lacked access to toilet facilities in locomotives. This resulted in unscheduled stops, potentially impacting train punctuality and operational safety.
The waterless urinals operate on a dry mechanism, eliminating the need for water while maintaining hygiene and preventing odours. Key features include:
- Epoxy-coated odourless unisex design.
- Stainless steel wire mesh, perfume dispensers, and urinal mats.
- Automatic LED lighting and exhaust fan operation based on occupancy.
- Auto-sensor hand sanitiser dispensers and UV-controlled disinfectant systems.
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To prioritise safety, the urinals are designed to function only when the locomotive is stationary, with brakes applied. This ensures safety during operations by preventing potential mishaps.
The Electric Loco Shed at Malda Town plans to extend this facility to 50 additional locomotives across the NFR zone in a phased manner. The installation aims to improve the comfort of loco pilots during extended duty hours while contributing to sustainability by reducing water usage and maintenance costs.