NFR and IIT-Guwahati Replace Plastic Bedroll Bags with Biodegradable Alternatives

Eco-friendly bags launched on Independence Day across 25 trains

In a significant move towards sustainable railway travel, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati to roll out biodegradable bedroll bags on trains, replacing traditional plastic.

The initiative was formally launched on 15 August, marking India’s Independence Day, with around 40,000 eco-friendly bags being distributed across 25 trains originating from key terminals in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Sustainable Railways in Action

The bags, developed by IIT-Guwahati’s in-house research team, are fully compostable and designed to degrade quickly without harming the environment. They are being used to distribute linen to passengers, replacing single-use plastic packaging that typically contributes to railway waste.

According to NFR, the switch to biodegradable materials is expected to significantly reduce landfill waste, lower carbon emissions, and help conserve natural resources. The move is part of a broader push by Indian Railways to embrace environmentally responsible practices.

Broader Eco-Friendly Measures

The NFR has already implemented several other green initiatives including rapid electrification of railway lines, solar power generation, rainwater harvesting, and the installation of bio-toilets. Notably, AI-based intrusion detection systems have also been introduced to protect elephants along vulnerable railway stretches.

The biodegradable bedroll bags mark a small yet impactful step toward greener journeys for India’s rail passengers.