Rail Sahyog Portal to Raise CSR Funds for Indian Railways

India’s Minister of Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal, launched Tuesday a web portal to provide a platform for the corporates and PSUs to contribute for the creation of amenities at or near Railway Stations through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

The companies desirous of contributing can show willingness on the portal by registering their requests. The requests will be processed by the officials. Based on the principle of first come first serve, the requests will be shortlisted and selected applicants will be intimated to deposit the funds with Railways / nominated agencies.

Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said that the “Rail Sahyog” portal is an example of changing times and speedy execution of projects in Railways. It will not only be beneficial for passengers but also for neighborhood of Railway vicinity.”

[ Appeal for Donation to RMN Foundation Charity ]

The Minister emphasized that the cost indicated against each of the activities identified to be undertaken in this initiative are only indicative in nature but the main focus would be on ensuring creation of good quality assets through this collaboration.

The activities identified to be funded through CSR are:

Construction of toilets in circulating areas of all stations with provision of low-cost sanitary pad vending machine and incinerator in female toilets and condom vending machine in male toilets and initial one year maintenance. Approximate Cost per station: Rs. 22-30 lakh.

Providing free Wi-Fi at stations through setting up Hotspots. Approximate cost per station: Rs. 10.30 lakh to Rs 12.30 lakh.

Provision of Benches at station Platforms as facility for senior citizens / disabled. Approximate cost per set: Rs. 17500 to Rs. 47500.

Bottle crushing machines at 2175 major stations for ensuring environmental sustainability. The empty plastic water / cold drink bottles generated from the Railway passengers will be crushed in these machines to manage plastic pollution. Approximate cost per machine: Rs. 3.5 lakh to Rs. 4.5 lakh.

Dustbins at all stations for Swachh Bharat will help in preventing littering around. Separate dustbins for wet / dry waste need to be provided at circulating area of Station and Platforms. Approximate cost per set (two dustbins): Rs. 4500.

Based on the response received, further additional items will be considered for funding through CSR.

Photo courtesy: Rail Sahyog