Indian Railways stations get modern makeover! Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated as many as 103 newly redeveloped railway stations under the Indian Railways’ ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The initiative is a part of the government’s efforts to modernise railway infrastructure across the country, with a focus on comfort, cleanliness, and connectivity for passengers.
Here is all that you need to know about the scheme and how it will boost your passenger experience:What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a nationwide project aimed at revamping railway stations in step by step manner. Each station is given a customised plan based on its specific needs, with improvements rolled out over time. The goal is to gradually elevate stations to modern standards while preserving their regional character.
By making stations more functional, beautiful, and accessible, the scheme hopes to redefine India’s rail travel experience while boosting local economies and urban development.
What services will the upgraded stations offer?
Passengers can expect a significant upgrade in comfort and convenience. Key improvements include:
- Cleaner platforms and better-maintained toilets
- Modernised waiting halls with enhanced seating
- Improved entry and exit points
- Roofing for passenger shelters
- Installation of lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi
- Clearly marked signage and improved information systems
Many stations will also feature executive lounges and dedicated areas for business meetings. The “One Station One Product” initiative will promote local crafts and products through kiosks within the station premises. The scheme also includes beautification efforts, with more greenery and thoughtful design to enhance the look and feel of the stations.
What infrastructure changes are being made?
The scheme goes beyond cosmetic upgrades. Station buildings are being modernised and designed to connect both sides of the city, making them important urban hubs. Improvements include:
- Integration with local transport systems like buses and metro services
- Infrastructure to support eco-friendly operations and noise reduction
- Improved planning to enhance overall station functionality
- Features to support accessibility for persons with disabilities
The scheme aims to make these stations more than just places to catch a train, transforming them into vibrant community spaces that are shaped by the unique character of the region. Each redevelopment will draw inspiration from local culture, heritage, and architecture, making every station a gateway to the region’s identity.
For instance Ahmedabad’s station from the grandeur of the Modhera Sun Temple, Dwarka station will feature design elements inspired by the Dwarkadheesh Temple. In the east, Odisha’s Baleshwar station will carry Jagannath Temple’s essence while in the south, Kumbakonam station will showcase traditional Chola architecture. Gurugram station will embrace a modern look, reflecting its status as an IT hub.
Encouraging traditional artisans under the ‘One Station One Product’ concept
This initiative is designed to promote India’s rich tradition of local crafts and produce. Kiosks will showcase and sell items unique to the region, including handlooms and handicrafts, tribal artefacts, embroidered textiles such as chikankari and zari-zardozi and locally grown spices, tea, coffee, and other food products.
These stalls will not only give travellers a taste of the region’s heritage but also support local artisans and small businesses.
Focus on better accessibility for the specially abled
As part of the government’s Sugamya Bharat Mission, Indian railways is working to ensure that stations are accessible to all, including persons with disabilities (Divyangjans) and passengers with reduced mobility.
The accessibility guidelines include a wide range of features such as:
- Entrance ramps and designated accessible parking spaces
- Low-height ticket counters and help booths
- Accessible toilets and drinking water booths
- Subways and foot overbridges equipped with ramps or lifts
- Braille signage and tactile pathways for the visually impaired
- Clearly marked standard signboards for easy navigation
A detailed set of accessibility guidelines has been developed to make train stations and services more inclusive for people with disabilities (Divyangjans) and passengers with limited mobility. These guidelines cover five key areas: information systems, station facilities such as toilets, drinking water booths, lifts, subways, lighting, and platform design; train coach design both inside and out, including seating arrangements; and a monitoring and feedback system to ensure continuous improvement.
The roots of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme date back to 2021, when Gandhinagar in Gujarat became the first railway station in India to be modernised under the initiative. The revamped station was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a five-star hotel built within the premises, a first for Indian Railways. Later that same year, Bhopal’s Habibganj station was transformed and renamed Rani Kamalapati Station, setting another example of modern, passenger-friendly infrastructure.
PM Modi in Bikaner
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