“…Despite the Metro’s commitment to providing efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation services to Kolkata, certain commuters persist in tarnishing the station’s cleanliness by discarding plastic bottles, spitting betel juice, and chewing gutkha,” said an official.

To address this issue comprehensively, the authorities have adopted a multi-faceted approach. Awareness campaigns are being organised through various channels, including verbal announcements, posters, counseling sessions, awareness videos displayed on platform TVs, and social media platforms. Additionally, infrastructure improvements have been made, such as installing litter bins and bottle crusher machines at different stations along the Metro lines.

“The Metro authorities have established dedicated anti-littering squads tasked with conducting patrols across the Green Line and Blue Line stations. These squads are equipped to identify individuals engaging in littering activities and enforce fines amounting to Rs 500, as per the prescribed regulations. The primary aim is to uphold the reputation of being one of the cleanest Metro systems in the country,” said Metro Railway chief public relations officer Kausik Mitra.

In the final 17 days of the previous fiscal year, the ‘Under the River’ segment of the Kolkata Metro’s Green Line transported 750000 passengers. The highest number of passengers, 3,15,000, was recorded at Howrah station, followed by 2,55,000 at Howrah Maidan station on this stretch.

(Taniya Acherjee is an intern with the Kolkata office of The Indian Express).