Indian railways are one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world. It is one of the most important parts of India’s transport infrastructure. In order to keep it safe for all the passengers and freight transportation, it has to be rejuvenated and modernised. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hence come up with the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and yesterday announced 508 stations under it.
PM Modi’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
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— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) August 6, 2023
As it is essential to modernise the railway stations with the latest amenities, the government is working towards transforming them. The stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), which is in line with the “Naya Bharat”, government’s vision.
The Ministry of Railways launched this new policy in 2022 on December 27. The scheme looks after the development of railway stations in the country with a long term vision. As per the needs and demands of various stations, the policy looks after master planning and implementation for the long term.
The rejuvenated stations will have features like a roof plaza, food courts, segregated entry and exit points, lifts, escalators, waiting areas, a children’s play area, multi-level parking, an executive lounge, a travelator, and facilities for physically challenged citizens. It involves improved food facilities, restrooms, and kiosks.
There will be kiosks through schemes like ‘One station, One Product’ selling local products. The passenger information systems will also be improved.
508 Stations To Be Rejuvenated
Under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 508 railway stations are set to be redeveloped, leading to a significant transformation of rail infrastructure in India. https://t.co/RavZz4l9Lc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2023
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of railway stations across India. The function was conducted virtually, and about 508 stations will now be rejuvenated under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The cost of this project is estimated to be ₹24,470 crore. 55 in Uttar Pradesh, 55 in Rajasthan, 37 in West Bengal, 49 in Bihar, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 44 in Maharashtra, 25 in Odisha, 32 in Assam, 21 in Gujarat, 21 in Telangana, 22 in Punjab, 18 in Andhra Pradesh, 18 in Tamil Nadu, 13 in Karnataka, 15 in Haryana, and 20 in Jharkhand.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Prime Minister is himself monitoring the progress of all the railway stations. He also mentioned that he also added his input to the design of these stations.
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