Railways Gets The Overhaul Signage System
Context:
To improve the passenger travel experience, the Indian Railways plans to redesign the signage system at train stations using new design concepts.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
- The plan calls for the modernization and upgrade of 1275 railway stations throughout India. The strategy takes a long-term approach, implementing development goals and enhancements over time. A Master Plan will be created for the development and improvement of every station identified under the project.
- The plan focuses on enhancing several amenities at the stations, including:
- Circulating spaces and station access.
- improving waiting areas to give users better amenities.
- enhancing the restrooms.
- escalators and lifts are installed to increase accessibility.
- emphasis on upkeep and hygiene.
- free Wi-Fi connectivity is made available.
- Through programmes like the “One Station One Product” system, kiosks are built up at stations to advertise and sell local goods, thereby assisting local artists and business owners.
- Better passenger information systems should be implemented to improve communication and give passengers real-time updates. provision of executive lounges to provide business travellers and premium passengers with a more comfortable experience.
- Increased connectivity and accessibility due to the station’s integration with both sides of the city.
- Promoting multimodal transit by combining various forms of transportation with the train station, including buses, the metro, and taxis.
- For people with disabilities (Divyangjans), special accommodations and amenities are offered to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Points to Ponder:
- The Indian Railways intends to implement new, industry-standard signage that is Disability-friendly (accessible to people with disabilities).
- The new signage system has an emphasis on straightforward language, legible typefaces, bright colours, and simple pictograms.
- The signage system takes into account the needs of all passengers, including the elderly, women, children, and people with impairments.
- In some instances, the current signage system is ineffective, inconsistent, and lacking in uniformity.
- New tricoloured tertiary boards with station names displayed on them have been introduced.
- Providing logical signage at crucial decision-making moments inside the stations is a priority.
- To facilitate easy navigation for commuters, the idea of grouping signage is developed. The information is organised according to a hierarchy and includes key travel information, directional data, amenities and facilities, commercial facilities, and exit data.
- Various facilities and services, including water taps, wheelchair assistance, ramps, tourist information, mobile-charging stations, and escalators, have standardised pictograms.
- Commissioned stations: Rinikapati, Gandhinagar Capital, and Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal are the three railway stations that have already been put into service using the new signage system.
