New Delhi: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Indian Railways has launched a competition to design digital clocks that will be displayed at stations across the country. In the first phase, these clocks will be installed at 1,337 stations.
These clocks will not only tell the precise time but also reflect the ethos and aesthetic identity of Indian Railways, symbolising innovation and national pride.
This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhancing digital infrastructure and is being rolled out under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which focuses on the redevelopment and modernisation of 1,337 stations nationwide.
The design competition is open to professional designers, college students, and schoolchildren. According to an official, the aim is to select innovative yet practical clock designs that can be standardised across all railway stations while representing the values of Indian Railways.
Dileep Kumar, ED (Information & Publicity), Ministry of Railways, told the media: “There are more than 1,337 stations that are being considered for developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Initially, clocks with the best designed digital clocks will be installed at 1,337 stations for the convenience of passengers.”
“The participants, including professionals, will have to submit high-resolution images of their designs, which should be original and free from intellectual property violations within May this year,” he added.
The competition comes with substantial incentives: the best design in the professional category will receive a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while five consolation prizes of Rs 50,000 each will also be awarded. Similarly, five consolation prizes each will be awarded to the college and school student categories.
Officials said that each station may have 20 to 25 of these specially designed digital clocks at platforms, station buildings, waiting halls, and other public areas.
The project may later be expanded to cover all stations in the country. These digital clocks may also be powered by renewable solar energy and could feature additional displays such as temperature, pollution levels, and other useful data.
Contracts for redevelopment have already been awarded for 1,202 of the 1,337 stations. The Railways plans to unveil the first set of these digital clocks by next year.
Indian Railways will retain the copyright of the selected clock designs. The winning entries must be both visually appealing and viable for mass production and implementation, capturing the spirit of service and progress that defines Indian Railways.
