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
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.
VIKSIT BHARAT 2047
A Vision Document by All India Rail Safety Council
Introduction:
As India moves steadily towards the centenary of its independence in 2047, the nation envisions a future that is empowered, safe, sustainable, and globally respected. The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) proudly aligns itself with this national mission through a committed and structured roadmap to strengthen railway safety, skill development, infrastructure, and public service delivery.
Vision Statement:
To contribute meaningfully to the realization of Viksit Bharat @2047 by transforming India’s railway safety ecosystem into the world’s safest, most efficient, and people-centric railway system, enabling national progress through innovation, integrity, and inclusive development.
Key Objectives of AIRSC for Viksit Bharat @2047:
Zero-Accident Railway Ecosystem:
Achieve zero fatalities due to rail-related accidents through advanced safety technologies, AI-based surveillance, predictive maintenance, and comprehensive workforce training.
Skill India Rail Mission 2047:
Train and upskill 10 lakh+ railway employees and youth in safety protocols, disaster response, modern signaling, automation, and infrastructure inspection by 2047.
Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS):
Establish an integrated national digital safety platform combining real-time monitoring, inspection data, reporting, analytics, and AI-based alerts across zones.
Green and Smart Infrastructure:
Promote sustainable rail infrastructure with renewable energy adoption, eco-friendly materials, and zero-emission safety operations aligned with Net Zero Goals.
Community Awareness and Safety Literacy:
Launch pan-India campaigns for rail safety literacy across schools, colleges, and public platforms with a focus on rural and semi-urban populations.
Collaboration and Global Benchmarking:
Collaborate with global railway safety agencies and organizations to align Indian rail safety standards with best international practices.
Women in Railway Safety:
Empower and include at least 30% women in railway safety and inspection services through capacity building and leadership opportunities.
Emergency Preparedness & Resilience:
Establish state-of-the-art Rapid Rail Safety Response Units (RRSRU) and develop multi-tier disaster preparedness drills across zones.
Digital Empowerment and Automation:
Implement cutting-edge automation tools, drone inspections, IoT sensors, and cloud data integration to enhance operational visibility and safety compliance.
Strategic Programs Under AIRSC’s Viksit Bharat Mission:
"RAIL SANRAKSHAN PATH" – A 25-year roadmap for proactive safety investment and policy reform.
"SAFETY SHAKTI ABHIYAN" – A national campaign for safety culture development at grassroots.
"BHARAT RAIL SAFETY FELLOWSHIP" – A research and innovation program for engineers, technologists, and students.
"SAFE STATION 2047" – A flagship initiative to convert 5,000 stations into model safety zones with tech-based management systems.
The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) pledges its unwavering commitment to the ideals of Viksit Bharat 2047. By prioritizing human lives, leveraging innovation, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, we envision a future where Indian Railways stands not only as the lifeline of the nation but as a global exemplar of safety, progress, and pride.
Dr, R. Padmanabhan
Chairman,
www.railsafety.co.in
