Miscellaneous Schemes under Ministry of Railways

Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)

• Background & Aim:
  India’s industries and logistics sector were facing delays due to congested railway lines (where passenger and goods trains ran together). To solve this, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) was conceptualised — railway lines meant only for goods trains.
  The aim is simple: boost supply chains, support industrial growth, and facilitate EXIM (export–import) traffic.
• Features:
  • Six corridors are planned across the country.
  • These will allow faster freight trains, double-stack container trains, and heavy-haul trains (more cargo per trip).
  • Implemented by DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India).
• Funding:
  • Western Corridor → fully funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
  • Eastern Corridor → partially funded by the World Bank.
• Link with Industrial Growth:
  Alongside, the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) under the Ministry of Commerce is developing Integrated Industrial Townships near the DFCs. This means industries, warehouses, and towns will grow around the corridor, making it a hub of economic activity.

Kisan Rail Scheme

• Purpose: Farmers often face losses because perishable goods like vegetables, fruits, milk, meat, or fish cannot reach markets in time.
• Solution: Kisan Rail, a special rail service to connect production centres (farms) with consumption centres (cities/markets).
• Impact: This reduces wastage, improves farmers’ income, and strengthens the farm supply chain.

Bharat Gaurav Train Scheme

• Objective: To promote India’s cultural heritage and historical tourism through theme-based tourist trains.
• How it works:
  • Operators can be private players or State-owned entities.
  • Each train runs on a revenue-generation model (no direct government funding).
• Example: A train circuit dedicated to “Ramayana Yatra” or “Heritage of South India.”
• Purpose is not transport, but tourism + cultural promotion.

Rail MADAD App

• Full form: Mobile Application for Desired Assistance During Travel.
• Purpose: A digital tool for quick redressal of passenger complaints.
• This makes the grievance system more transparent and efficient.

Rail Sahyog Portal

• Idea: Railways opened a platform where Corporates/PSUs can fund amenities at stations under their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) obligations.
• Benefit: Public–private partnership helps in improving passenger facilities without burdening government finances.

One Station One Product (OSOP) Scheme

• Launched by: Ministry of Railways.
• Purpose: To promote the idea of “Vocal for Local” by giving local artisans, craftsmen, and producers a platform.
• How it works:
  • Each railway station has an OSOP outlet.
  • These stalls showcase and sell unique local/indigenous products (handicrafts, traditional foods, etc.).
• Impact: Boosts local economy, supports marginalized communities, and gives travelers exposure to regional products.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• Vision: Long-term, continuous development of railway stations across India.
• Objectives:
  • Better Amenities: Improved waiting halls, circulation areas, and passenger access.
  • Modernization: Roof plazas, integration with city centres, and multimodal transport connections.
  • Accessibility: Facilities for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).
  • Sustainability: Eco-friendly designs and green solutions.

This scheme is like creating world-class stations with Indian character, ensuring that both convenience and cultural value are preserved.