Categorization of Railway Stations and Amenities

Categorization of Stations

• Stations are reviewed every 5 years, based on passenger earnings and outward passenger volume in the previous year (2021-22).
• The number of stations in each category remains the same until the next review.
• The primary factor for categorization is passenger earnings from both reserved and unreserved passengers, regardless of ticket origination.
• Passenger earnings are calculated based on boarding passengers, whether reserved or unreserved.
• Data is collected from relevant sources like PRS, UTS, JTBS and YTSK.
• Categorization is into three types: Non-Suburban (NSG 1-6), Suburban (SG 1-3), and Halt (HG 1-3) stations, based on earnings or outward passengers.

Passenger Amenities

• Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) are required when stations are built, based on projected traffic and income.
• These were previously known as basic amenities or infrastructural facilities.
• Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) must be provided at each station category, following established norms.
• There are three types of amenities, Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA), Recommended Amenities and Desirable Amenities.
• Norms for MEA at various categories of non-suburban and suburban stations are detailed by station category and amenity.
• Norms for MEA at various categories of Halt stations are detailed by station category and amenity.

Recommended Amenities

• Recommended amenities are determined based on actual passenger traffic, if not meeting the minimum requirements.
• The recommended amount for amenities is determined from passenger volume and must be at least the amount prescribed for MEA, otherwise reduced based on approval of designated authorities.
• Norms for recommended amenities are provided for Non-Suburban, Suburban and Halt stations.
• The scale of provision for various recommended amenities, such as drinking water points, waiting halls, seating arrangements, platform shelters, urinals, latrines, bathrooms, IVRS systems, and others, is defined based on passenger traffic, categorized by station type. Different scales exist for non-suburban, suburban, and halt stations.

Desirable Amenities

• Desirable amenities are those that enhance customer satisfaction and station appearance, not dependent on the provision of recommended amenities.
• Desirable amenities for Non-Suburban, Suburban and Halt stations are provided by station category. This includes retiring rooms, washrooms, inquiry counters, announcement systems, resting facilities, access for disabled people, and more. Specifics are provided for each category.

Model Stations

• Some stations have been designated as model stations for upgrading amenities; these include A1, A, and B categories.

Modernization of Stations

• During 2006-07, 334 stations were identified for modernization and facelifts.
• Key components in station modernization should include touch and feel items, seating changes, waiting rooms and toilets, and a passenger information center.
• Other items include providing an electronic coach and train guidance board, platform improvements, and other improvements for customer experience and accessibility.
• Measures like adding a high-mast tower for passenger guidance and updating platform surfaces are required. Specifics are given for each category of modernization touch-points.

World Class Stations

• Features of World Class stations (WCS) include, external consultations and expertise, main entry and exit points, departure and arrival halls, platforms, parcel handling, lighting and parking. Also, commercial development, advertising and public art, and external circulation contribute to a world-class station experience.

Physically Handicapped Amenities

• Provisions for short term physically handicapped facilities include installing ramps, parking, improved walkways to building entrances, water taps and toilets.
• Long term improvements include an inter-platform transfer system, embossed markings on platform edges, and improved access to platforms A1, A, and B category. More specific access points and types are listed.

Passenger Amenities Booklet & Checks

• Passenger amenity booklets are updated annually at the end of the division's financial year, listing updated passenger amenities.
• Causes of ticket-less travelling and different types of checks (various irregularities, leakage of revenue and fraud) are addressed and reasons given. This includes poverty and illiteracy, lack of patriotism, and improper ticketing arrangements.

Display of Services

• The quantum of Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) and amenities actually available, along with other amenities available at a station, should be displayed in designated areas for passenger information. Specific locations for display are described.