All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) Initiative: Establishment of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at Important Railway Stations
The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) is a leading organization committed to enhancing safety in the railway sector across India. With a vision to integrate healthcare services within the railway ecosystem, AIRSC has meticulously studied the feasibility of setting up Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) at major railway stations across the country.
Rationale and Key Considerations:
India's Rail Passenger Volume: Around 23 million passengers travel daily on various trains across India, necessitating accessible healthcare facilities at railway stations.
Medical Assistance for Traveling Passengers: AIRSC aims to provide medical treatment for passengers who fall sick during travel.
Railway Accident & Emergency Response: On average, 360 railway accidents and other untoward incidents are attended annually, requiring swift medical intervention.
Emergency Medical Treatment: Timely and emergency medical support for sick travelers is a priority.
Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME): Ensuring that only fit and suitable candidates are recruited for railway services. Approximately 50,000 candidates undergo medical examination annually.
Periodical Medical Examination (PME): Ensuring that 1,20,000 railway employees are medically fit for their jobs, particularly those directly impacting railway safety.
Medical Boards & Certification: Providing necessary medical certifications for railway personnel.
Monitoring and Reducing Man-Days Lost Due to Sickness: Currently, only 2% of workdays are lost due to sickness, effectively controlled by medical officers.
Establishment of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs):
AIRSC’s initiative aims to make generic medicines and essential healthcare products accessible to railway passengers, employees, and the general public. PMBJKs will provide commonly used generic drugs covering all major therapeutic categories, ensuring affordable and high-quality healthcare.
The PMBJP scheme will expand to offer a complete spectrum of healthcare products and services.
By March 2019, the product basket is projected to include 800 drugs and 154 surgical items, with future expansions incorporating stents and medical replacements.
Target Beneficiaries:
The establishment of PMBJKs at railway stations will be particularly beneficial for:
Senior Citizens – Ensuring affordable healthcare solutions.
Destitute Ladies – Offering accessible medical support.
Handicapped Individuals – Providing necessary healthcare facilities.
Low-Income Housewives – Enhancing affordability and availability of medicines.
Rail Passengers & General Public – Creating a robust healthcare system integrated into the railway network.
This initiative by AIRSC aligns with the national objective of providing affordable healthcare while ensuring railway safety and well-being. The establishment of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at major railway stations will significantly improve healthcare accessibility for millions of passengers, railway employees, and the public at large.
Dr. R. Padmanabhan
Chairman
All India Rail Safety Council
India’s First Vertical Lift Sea Bridge: The New Pamban Bridge
On the occasion of Ram Navami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, marking a major milestone in India’s infrastructure journey. This state-of-the-art structure is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram Island with mainland India across the Palk Strait.
Replacing the original Pamban Bridge built in 1914, which featured a cantilever design with a Scherzer Rolling Lift span, the new bridge addresses the limitations of the aging structure that struggled to meet modern transportation demands and endured harsh marine conditions.
Sanctioned in 2019, the bridge was designed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) using advanced engineering techniques. Spanning 2.07 kilometers, it features a 72.5-meter navigational lift span that can be raised up to 17 meters, allowing large ships to pass through smoothly. Built 3 meters higher than the old bridge and constructed with stainless steel reinforcements and corrosion-resistant coatings, it promises a lifespan of over 100 years.
Notably, the bridge's substructure is future-ready for dual tracks, though currently it supports a single line. It incorporates modern construction methods like the Auto Launching Method and hydraulic jacking to manage the challenges of a remote marine environment.
The New Pamban Bridge is a testament to India’s engineering innovation, resilience in overcoming environmental challenges, and commitment to connectivity and regional growth. With this project, India joins the league of nations with iconic vertical lift bridges, showcasing its capability in world-class infrastructure development.
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A Landmark Day for India's Railway Infrastructure – 22nd May 2025
Tomorrow, 22nd May, marks a historic milestone in the journey of India’s railway transformation. With the official launch of the Amrit Stations initiative, the Indian Railways takes a giant leap forward in redefining travel experiences, boosting connectivity, and celebrating the rich tapestry of our nation’s cultural heritage.
Amrit Stations: A Vision Realized
Under the visionary leadership guiding India’s infrastructure renaissance, the Amrit Stations project is part of the broader effort to modernize 1300 railway stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These revamped stations are not just transit points—they are symbols of national pride, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
What Makes Amrit Stations Special?
World-Class Passenger Amenities
Modern waiting lounges, clean and smart restrooms, enhanced lighting, digital display systems, food courts, and accessible infrastructure—designed to offer travelers world-class comfort and convenience.
Seamless Multimodal Connectivity
With integration to local transportation like metros, buses, and last-mile connectivity options, Amrit Stations will serve as efficient urban transport hubs.
Celebrating India’s Cultural Soul
Each station is designed to reflect regional art, architecture, and heritage—turning them into cultural landmarks that tell the story of India’s glorious diversity.
Green and Sustainable Designs
The emphasis on eco-friendly architecture, solar power usage, waste management systems, and energy-efficient practices positions Amrit Stations as a step towards a greener future.
Boost to Local Economies
These stations will also serve as commercial centers, boosting local economies through improved tourism, retail opportunities, and employment generation.
A New Era of Indian Railways
The launch of Amrit Stations is not just about upgrading physical infrastructure—it’s about elevating the passenger experience, preserving heritage, and strengthening the lifelines of India’s development. These stations symbolize progress, unity, and a forward-looking India that blends technology with tradition.
As we look forward to 22nd May, let us celebrate this proud moment for Indian Railways and every citizen. The future of travel is here—and it is inclusive, innovative, and truly Amrit.
Dr, R. Padmanabhan
Chairman,
Website: www.railsafety.co.in
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks the commencement of a strategic partnership between the All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) and Medhavi Skills University (MSU) with the shared vision of promoting railway safety, skill development, and academic excellence.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to jointly design, develop, and deliver specialized training programs, research projects, and capacity-building initiatives focused on rail safety, modern railway technologies, and workforce development. This partnership is aligned with the evolving demands of the Indian rail sector and aims to contribute significantly to national priorities in transportation safety and vocational education.
About Medhavi Skills University (MSU)
Medhavi Skills University, established in 2021 under the Medhavi Skills University, Sikkim Act, is a forward-thinking private institution headquartered in Singtam and Bermiok, Sikkim. The university is spearheaded by Chancellor Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Pro-Chancellor Mr. Kuldeep Sharma, and Vice Chancellor Dr. Amiya Singh.
MSU is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). It proudly holds the distinction of being India’s first Skills University offering industry-immersive degree programs, in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
The university’s innovative academic model is designed to integrate practical, hands-on learning with industry collaboration, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary for impactful, real-world careers.
About All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC)
The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) is a pioneering national body committed to advancing rail safety and infrastructure management across India. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. R. Padmanabhan, Chairman of AIRSC, the council has launched the University for Rail Safety Technology and Management—a landmark initiative dedicated to fostering advanced research, cutting-edge technology, and strategic management practices in the railway sector.
Dr. Padmanabhan’s far-sighted leadership and unwavering dedication to railway safety have been instrumental in the creation of this institution, which aspires to serve as a center of excellence for the rail industry in India and beyond.
This MoU signifies a joint commitment to collaborative innovation, education, and safety in the railway ecosystem, setting a benchmark for public-private academic partnerships in India.
From Steam Engines to Vande Bharat: How Indian Railways Transformed in 190 Years
The story of Indian Railways is not merely about trains and tracks—it's a testament to India's engineering, economic, and technological evolution. From the puffing steam locomotives of the 19th century to the sleek, state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express and the vision of high-speed bullet trains, the transformation of Indian Railways over the past 190 years is a remarkable journey of innovation, expansion, and national integration.
The Inception: Steam Era Begins (1853)
The journey began on April 16, 1853, when the first passenger train in India ran between Mumbai (then Bombay) and Thane, covering a distance of 34 kilometers. Powered by three steam locomotives—Sahib, Sindh, and Sultan—this train marked the beginning of a new era in transportation and infrastructure in the Indian subcontinent.
Colonial Expansion and Strategic Significance (1853–1947)
During British rule, the railway network expanded rapidly across the country, primarily to serve colonial interests—transporting raw materials from the hinterlands to ports.
By 1947, when India gained independence, the railway network had expanded to over 55,000 kilometers. Despite its size, it was fragmented and in need of modernization.
Nation Building and Modernization (1947–1980s)
Post-independence, Indian Railways became a key instrument in nation-building. It was unified and nationalized, enabling connectivity across vast and diverse terrains—from the Himalayas to the Southern coast.
Introduction of Diesel and Electric locomotives began replacing steam engines.
Infrastructure such as railway bridges, tunnels, and stations was modernized.
Passenger services were upgraded with the launch of Deluxe and Superfast trains.
Technological Advancements and Electrification (1980s–2000s)
The late 20th century witnessed a push for efficiency, speed, and capacity:
Widespread electrification of routes reduced reliance on diesel.
Introduction of computerized ticketing, improving accessibility and transparency.
Launch of iconic trains such as the Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express, setting new benchmarks for speed and comfort.
Entering the New Millennium: Safety, Speed & Service (2000s–2010s)
With the onset of the 21st century, Indian Railways adopted a more customer-focused and safety-oriented approach:
Implementation of anti-collision devices, train protection systems, and bio-toilets.
Modernization of railway stations and introduction of onboard catering, online booking, and Wi-Fi in premium trains.
Launch of new classes like Duronto and Garib Rath to balance speed and affordability.
The Vande Bharat Era & the Future of High-Speed Travel (2019–Present)
The launch of Vande Bharat Express in 2019 marked a revolutionary leap for Indian Railways. Developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, this semi-high-speed train combines world-class comfort with indigenous engineering.
Capable of running at speeds up to 180 km/h, with advanced safety features like Kavach.
Boasts fully air-conditioned coaches, modern interiors, automatic doors, and GPS-based passenger information systems.
The train is symbolic of India's capability to build world-class transportation solutions.
Additionally, work is underway on India’s first bullet train project—the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor—using Japanese Shinkansen technology, targeting speeds of 320 km/h. This project reflects India's aspiration to enter the era of ultra-modern, time-efficient rail travel.
Sustainability and Green Railways
Indian Railways has committed to becoming net zero carbon emitter by 2030. It has taken steps toward:
100% electrification of broad-gauge routes.
Use of solar and wind energy in station operations.
Promoting energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly trains like CNG- and hydrogen-powered locomotives.
From the hissing steam engines of the 1850s to the futuristic Vande Bharat and bullet trains, Indian Railways has evolved into one of the largest and most dynamic rail networks in the world. It continues to be the lifeline of the nation, not just transporting people and goods, but also dreams, aspirations, and progress.
As it enters its third century of service, Indian Railways stands as a shining example of how tradition and technology can travel hand in hand—on a track toward a smarter, faster, and greener future.
AI Governance in the Railway Sector
This refers to the responsible use, regulation, and oversight of artificial intelligence systems deployed in railway operations. Key focus areas could include:
Applications of AI in Railways:
Predictive maintenance of trains and tracks
AI-based signaling and traffic management systems
Smart surveillance and passenger safety systems
Ticketing and passenger flow optimization
AI-driven logistics and freight routing
Governance Aspects:
Ethical use of AI (bias-free decision-making in scheduling, hiring, security)
Cybersecurity of AI-integrated rail infrastructure
Data privacy of passengers and employees
Regulatory frameworks for AI audits and compliance
Transparent AI decision-making in safety-critical operations
"AI Governance Rail" as a Conceptual Framework
You could also interpret “AI Governance Rail” metaphorically, like a "guiding rail" that keeps AI development and deployment on track, especially in critical sectors like transportation.
This would include:
Policy rails: laws and standards governing AI in public infrastructure
Ethical rails: ensuring fairness, accountability, and inclusivity
Technical rails: robust AI design, testing, and risk assessment protocols
Operational rails: ongoing monitoring, auditing, and upgradation
Proposed Name for a Program or Initiative
If you're naming a project, centre, or guideline document, "AI Governance Rail" could be:
A title for a policy framework: “AI Governance Rail: Guiding AI in National Transportation Safety”
A research project: “Building a Governance Rail for Responsible AI in Indian Railways”
A Centre of Excellence initiative, e.g. from AIRSC: “Centre for AI Governance in Rail Safety”
Future-Ready Railways Start with Future-Ready Professionals
In the rapidly evolving landscape of transport and infrastructure, Indian Railways stands at the cusp of a major transformation—embracing cutting-edge technology, automation, and integrated safety systems. However, no innovation can succeed without the support of a skilled, safety-conscious, and future-ready workforce.
At the All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC), we firmly believe that “Future-Ready Railways Start with Future-Ready Professionals.” This guiding principle drives our mission to upskill, reskill, and empower the human capital that forms the backbone of India’s railway ecosystem.
Our Vision:
To enable Indian Railways to become a global benchmark in safety, innovation, and performance—through capacity-building and professional excellence.
Key Objectives:
Training for Tomorrow: Establishing national and global centres of excellence focused on modern rail safety, technology, and management.
Certification & Competency Building: Creating frameworks for standardised safety certification and professional competency development.
Technology-Driven Learning: Integrating simulation, AI-based risk analysis, and virtual labs into safety and operations training.
Workforce Transformation: Supporting Indian Railways’ transition towards smart mobility by investing in the skills of engineers, technicians, station staff, and safety personnel.
Why It Matters:
With the increasing demands of high-speed rail, electrification, and digital signalling, the safety and efficiency of our railways depend on how well we prepare our people. Future-ready professionals are not just technically equipped—they are proactive, informed, and safety-first in their mindset.
The All India Rail Safety Council is proud to lead this national initiative to shape a safer, smarter, and more sustainable rail future—for India and beyond.
