Indian Railways To Introduce Divyang-Friendly Uniform Signages At All Stations

Indian Railways will introduce uniform signages at all stations across the country, ensuring a consistent and easy-to-understand system for passengers.

With an aim of providing safe, comfortable, and clean railway premises, the introduction of uniform signages is part of the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme initiative in which 1,275 stations are being redeveloped.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw released a booklet on Standard Signages at Stations on Indian Railways on Monday (15 May), which outlines the guidelines for the new system.

Indian Railways has the largest number of stations in the world than any other rail network. It is important that every passenger should have easy access to facilities by with the help of standard signage.

The guidelines prioritise simple language, clear font, easy-to-see colours, and intuitive pictograms, with an emphasis on making the signage Divyang-friendly.

New tertiary boards displaying station names with tricolour backgrounds have been introduced. Emphasis has been laid on providing intuitive way of finding, and availability of signages on key decision-making points.

The colours of signages, type and size of fonts have been standardised. Concept of grouping of signages has been introduced to find the way faster.

"The railways has undertaken a series of steps to enhance passenger experience at railway stations," Vaishnaw said and added, “it was felt to issue standard guidelines on Signages at Stations that will be consistent and adequate. Indian Railways will adopt modern, standard signages which are Divyang-friendly."

The booklet also introduces the concept of grouping of signages for faster way-finding and new tertiary boards displaying station names with tricolor backgrounds. While there is an emphasis on standardisation of signages, the need for flexibility in case of stations with strong architectural vocabulary has also been recognised.

The booklet is made keeping in mind the requirements of all passengers, including elderly, women, children, Divyangjan etc.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Ministry of Railways has formulated a new policy for modernisation of stations named 'Amrit Bharat Station' scheme. The scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision.

It is based on master planning for long term and implementation of the elements of a master plan as per the needs and patronage of the station. The scheme will primarily focus on providing safe, comfortable and clean railway premises.

Three railway stations — Rani Kamalapati, Gandhinagar Capital, and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal have been commissioned.

Building upon the experience of these three stations, 1,275 stations selected under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme include stations located in major cities and places of tourist and pilgrimage importance.

Work is in progress at 88 stations. Tendering and planning in progress for 1,187 stations.