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.
temm
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.
