Railway Ministry acknowledges rat menace in train coaches

The Railway Ministry today acknowledged receiving complaints with regard to presence of rats in train coaches.

"Yes, some complaints and references are being received regarding presence of rats in coaches," Union Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Faced with the rat menace, Railways have taken several steps to eliminate rodents from their premises.

Coaches are subjected to rodent treatment in coaching depots under comprehensive pest and rodent control treatment as per scheduled periodicity, he said.

Besides, pantry cars are completely vacated before undertaking rodent treatment of coaches and cleaning in primary maintenance depot.

He said suitable penalties are also imposed on the agency undertaking rodent treatment of coaches against performances deficiency as per the terms and conditions of contract.

Inspections are regularly carried out at various levels to monitor the quality of rodent control treatment in coaches.

-PTI