A dedicated railway budget, platform standardisation, strict deadline, zone-wise evaluation, and mid-term analysis are some of the key recommendations of the Committee on Estimates mentioned in the report submitted to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The committee carried out an in-depth audit of the progress of the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ (ABSS) and made 12 recommendations in its report. These include a dedicated budget for the Railways Ministry, a robust selection process, and provisions for maintenance among others, the parliamentary committee said.
While scrutinising the scheme, the committee observed that the railways do not have an earmarked budget allocation for ABBS, and funding comes from the plan head-53 – “consumer amenities”.
The report suggested the Railways Ministry to allocate the funds for the scheme exclusively with strict timelines for the physical progress of work. The move is aimed at enabling allocation evaluation vis-a-vis its zone-wise utilisation.
Notably, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched in August 2023, and as of December 8, 2023, 1309 railway stations have been identified for development and enhanced facilities under the scheme. The initiative aims to breathe new life into travel hubs and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Robust railways reforms
The committee mentioned that as far as the selection process of stations is concerned, it was done by a committee comprising railway officials.
As per the committee, robust selection criteria along with a multi-faceted committee comprising different stakeholders from the same zone will come into effect from the next phase of the scheme.
The committee also drew attention to the absence of a ‘standardisation document’ or a benchmark for platforms, ticket counters, washrooms, and installation of fittings among others.
It urged the railway ministry to issue comprehensive guidelines in the matters of standardisation of fittings, CCTVs, WiFi, station access, sound systems, and furniture among others to ensure uniformity across the stations.
Notably, ABSS has provisions for the development of stations continuously with a long-term approach but the committee found no provision for the maintenance of up-gradations carried out under the scheme.
Maintenance: An integral part
It recommended the ministry revise the guidelines as required and include maintenance as an integral part of the up-gradation contract for a minimum period of five years.
Other measures include giving priority to stations with strategic locations, tourist visits, archaeological importance, proximity to the borders, and introducing an automation system so that platform tickets can be issued from physical to online mode.
“The Committee, therefore, desires that the Ministry of Railways should make sincere efforts to popularise One Station, One Product” drive to the masses, especially in the far-flung areas so that even artisans in rural areas can get a chance to showcase their product reflecting their uniqueness in arts/ crafts,” the report said.
