Major Initiative: 1318 Railway Stations Set for Development/Redevelopment Under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
In a transformative move aimed at enhancing passenger experience and modernizing infrastructure, the Ministry of Railways has unveiled plans for the redevelopment of railway stations across India.
Under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a total of 1318 railway stations have been earmarked for development or redevelopment. This initiative follows the successful completion and commissioning of three prominent railway stations—Rani Kamlapati Station of West Central Railway, Gandhinagar Capital Station of Western Railway, and Sir M. Visveswaraya Terminal Station of South Western Railway—over the past three years.
Drawing from the valuable experience gained during the redevelopment of these stations, the Ministry of Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with a vision to continuously enhance station infrastructure. The scheme emphasizes the formulation and execution of master plans in phases to upgrade various amenities at stations, including improved access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, and kiosks for local products under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme. Moreover, it focuses on better passenger information systems, executive lounges, designated spaces for business meetings, landscaping, and more, tailored to the specific needs of each station.
Furthermore, the scheme aims for comprehensive improvements, such as building enhancements, integration with city infrastructure on both sides, multimodal integration, provisions for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities), sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, ballast-less tracks, creation of ‘Roof Plazas’ as needed, phased feasibility studies, and the development of city centers around stations in the long term.
This significant development was highlighted by Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronic & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha today, underlining the government’s commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure and enhancing passenger amenities across the country.
