Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Transforming India's Railway Infrastructure

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Transforming India's Railway Infrastructure

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Why in News

  • The Prime Minister recently inaugurated **75 redeveloped railway stations** across **20 States** under the **Amrit Bharat Station Scheme**.
  • This ongoing initiative aims to modernise railway infrastructure and transform standard stations into passenger-centric transit hubs.
  • This event represents the **second major nationwide dedication** of upgraded stations under the overall program.
  • Earlier on **22 May 2025**, the Prime Minister dedicated **103 redeveloped stations** across **18 States and Union Territories**.
  • The redevelopment of these **75 stations** involved a combined investment of approximately **₹1,570 crore**.

What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

  • The **Ministry of Railways** launched the **Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)** in **December 2022**.
  • The primary goal of the initiative is to redevelop **1,309 railway stations** into modern integrated transport hubs nationwide.
  • The project follows a phased redevelopment approach tailored to local needs, passenger movement, and long-term expansion requirements.
  • It focuses on improving passenger experience, incorporating local architectural styles, boosting physical accessibility, and encouraging urban development.

Key Features of the Scheme

  • **Customised & Culturally Integrated Redevelopment**: Station designs blend modern passenger conveniences with regional heritage, culture, and traditional architectural themes.
  • **Passenger Amenities & Modern Facilities**: Upgrades include improved entry points, clean restrooms, covered platforms, escalators, free Wi-Fi, executive lounges, food courts, and digital information display screens.
  • **Aesthetic & Spatial Upgrades**: Improvements feature attractive building façades, landscaped surroundings, roof plazas, bright lighting, dedicated parking spaces, and smooth crowd management paths.
  • **Inclusive & Accessible Design**: Aligned with the **Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)**, facilities support **Divyangjan** through ramps, tactile paths, Braille signage, low counters, accessible toilets, and lift-equipped foot overbridges.
  • **Local Economic Promotion**: Through the **One Station One Product** initiative, stations feature dedicated kiosks for local artisans, weavers, and tribal groups to sell handicrafts and regional food.
  • **Urban Connectivity & Sustainability**: Stations act as multimodal transit hubs connecting train lines with bus and metro networks, while featuring green spaces and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Significance of the Scheme

  • The initiative converts simple railway stations into active, vibrant economic centers within host cities.
  • It preserves regional identity and highlights local culture through targeted architectural elements.
  • It creates sustainable, future-ready transport infrastructure while offering direct livelihood opportunities to local craftsmen and small businesses.