The Ministry of Railways observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and held activities under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 – Special Campaign 6.0 at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on October 30, according to a report by The Statesman. The Ministry shared details of the events in a statement on Monday.
Key points
- Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge at Rail Bhawan.
- Health check-up camps were held for Safai Mitras under the cleanliness campaign.
- Housekeeping and horticulture staff were felicitated for their daily work.
- Eleven employees who retired from Indian Railways were also honoured.
Pledge on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary
The event marked the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, described as the "Iron Man of India". Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, administered the pledge at Vichar, the conference hall at Rail Bhawan. Members of the Railway Board, Directors General, senior officers and staff of the Ministry were present.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed every year on October 31. Sardar Patel played a key role in bringing the princely states into the Union of India and helped strengthen the unity and integrity of the country.
Cleanliness drive and recognition for staff
Under Special Campaign 6.0, several activities were held at Rail Bhawan to promote cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation. Health check-up camps were organised for Safai Mitras, with the Ministry noting the importance of their health and well-being.
The Chairman and CEO felicitated the Safai Mitras for their dedicated service in keeping Rail Bhawan clean. Senior members of the Railway Board also felicitated employees who handle day-to-day maintenance, including staff from housekeeping and horticulture. The Ministry said this reflected the sense of unity within the Rail family and the spirit of working together as "One Family".
The occasion also included the felicitation of 11 employees who retired after spending a significant part of their working lives in the service of Indian Railways and the country.
Why it matters for railway staff
For railway employees, the programme shows that the Ministry is giving visible recognition to maintenance and support staff, whose work is often done out of public view. The health camps for Safai Mitras and the felicitation of retiring staff were part of the same event. According to the Ministry, the celebrations were meant to reinforce the message of keeping offices clean and green. They also aimed to build a culture of teamwork, mutual respect and collective responsibility.
The Ministry described Indian Railways as "One Family" working as "One Team" to serve the people of India. It added that, as the country moves towards the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, the railways continue to play a vital role in national unity. As the national transporter, it connects every part of India and carries millions of passengers to their destinations every day.
The source does not mention any further steps under the campaign beyond the activities held at Rail Bhawan.
