New Delhi, February 2024: The Ministry of Railways has identified 1318 stations for development or redevelopment under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’. This initiative follows the successful development and commissioning of three railway stations over the last three years, namely Rani Kamlapati Station of West Central Railway, Gandhinagar Capital Station of Western Railway, and Sir M. Visveswaraya Terminal Station of South Western Railway.
The ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ aims to continuously develop stations with a long-term approach. It includes the preparation and implementation of Master Plans in phases to enhance amenities such as station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, and kiosks for local products through schemes like ‘One Station One Product’. The scheme also focuses on better passenger information systems, executive lounges, designated spaces for business meetings, landscaping, and more, based on the specific requirements of each station.
Additionally, the scheme emphasizes improving the building’s infrastructure, integrating stations with both sides of the city, multimodal integration, amenities for Divyangjans (specially-abled individuals), sustainable and environment-friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks, ‘Roof Plazas’ as needed, phasing and feasibility, and the creation of city centers at the station in the long term.
The ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ signifies a significant step towards modernizing and upgrading railway stations across India, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers while promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
