Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal launched a web-based e-portal where the private and public sector undertakings can donate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to develop facilities at Indian railway stations. Those companies who are willing to contribute can register themselves on Rail Sahyog, and choose from an option of amenities they would want to promote.

Among the improvements planned are building toilets, providing free WiFi, plastic bottle crushing machines, benches and dustbins.

In a press conference, Goyal said, “We want the process of using CSR funds to be simple and transparent. All we are desirous of is that a certain quality standard is maintained. The company which does contribute will have their names, logos or even company names on the initiatives,” Daily Pioneer reported.

According to the portal, each station for toilets will cost somewhere between 22 to 30 lakh rupees, with a provision for sanitary pad vending machines, which are cost-effective. Additionally, incinerators in female toilets, condom vending machines in male toilets and one year of maintenance cost.

Cost for setting up WiFi hotspots are between 10 to 12 lakhs, benches are priced at Rs 17,500 to Rs 47,500. Dustbins cost around Rs 4,500 for a couple of them, while bottle crushing machines are priced at Rs 3.5 to 4.5 lakh.

A policy has been in place since 2016 by the Ministry of Railways allowing and encouraging private and public companies to adopt activities under CSR. In the policy, it has been detailed to include sanitation, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, solid waste management system and drinking water supply.

Rail Sahyog

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