Railway stations are upgraded/modernized under Adarsh Station Scheme based on identified need of providing better enhanced passenger amenities at stations. 1253 railway stations have been identified for development under Adarsh Station Scheme. Out of these, 1211 railway stations have been developed and the remaining 42 stations are targetted for development in Financial Year 2022-23.

The expenditure on development of stations under Adarsh Station Scheme and under different umbrella meant for development of railway stations is generally funded under Plan Head –53 ‘Passenger Amenities’. The expenditure incurred for modernization of stations during the last three years and current year (till November, 2021) i.e. 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 (till Nov, 2021) are Rs 1585.88 crore, Rs 1903.11 crore, Rs 2582.90 crore and Rs 1061.83 respectively.

Further upgradation/modernization of stations including platforms on Indian Railways is a continuous and on-going process and priority is accorded to higher category of stations over lower category of stations while sanctioning and executing the works. Stations have been provided with Wi-Fi facility so far.
1174 number of stations have been provided with Train Indication (Boards) Systems and 680 Number of Railway stations have been provided with Coach Indication (Guidance) System.

This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on December 17.

Railways takes initiatives for DivyangjaN Passengers

In order to facilitate needy passenger to board/alight the train, new initiatives have been taken by Ministry of Railways:

Indian Railway has incorporated Disabled Friendly Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design Second class cum Luggage cum Guard Van & Disabled Friendly Compartment (SLRD) coaches.

These coaches have a suitably designed compartment & toilet adapted to the needs of the divyangjans/wheelchair borne passengers. In these coaches, wider entrance door, wider berths, wider compartments, larger lavatory and lavatory doors, etc. have been provided. Inside the toilets additional grab rails on the side walls for support and wash basin and mirror at a lower height are also available. It is endeavoured to have at least one such coach in each Mail/Express train having ICF type coaches.