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The Indian Railways is taking significant steps to modernize railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, focusing on improving passenger experience. The scheme is designed to enhance facilities at stations continuously, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and sustainable development. Minister of Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw shared detailed updates on this initiative in the Lok Sabha.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to prepare master plans for stations and implement them in phases. This approach targets various aspects of station development, such as better access, improved waiting halls, upgraded toilets, and facilities like lifts and escalators. Enhancements also include free Wi-Fi, kiosks promoting local products under the 'One Station One Product' scheme, improved passenger information systems, executive lounges, and spaces for business meetings.
The scheme also emphasizes sustainable solutions, better landscaping, and integration of stations with both sides of the city. Facilities for Divyangjans (differently-abled individuals), environment-friendly measures, and advanced features like ballastless tracks are also planned. In the long term, these stations will serve as city centers, adding value to urban spaces.
Stations Identified Under the Scheme
So far, 1,337 stations have been identified for development under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Among them, 98 are located in Bihar, and 157 in Uttar Pradesh. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the stations selected for development include:
1. Aishbagh
2. Badshahnagar
3. Daliganj
4. Gomtinagar
5. Lucknow (Charbagh & Jn.)
6. Lucknow City
7. Malhaur Jn
8. Manaknagar Jn
9. Mohanlalganj
10. Utraitia Jn
Focus on Uttar Pradesh and Financial Allocation
Uttar Pradesh plays a significant role in this scheme, with 157 stations chosen for development. For the financial year 2024-25, ₹5,930 crores have been allocated to 5 railway zones in the state:
-Northern Railway
-North Central Railway
-North Eastern Railway
-East Central Railway
-West Central Railway
These funds will cover various upgrades and maintenance projects to improve passenger comfort and station infrastructure.
Challenges in Redevelopment
The redevelopment process is complex and requires addressing challenges like safety of passengers, obtaining statutory clearances, and dealing with brownfield issues. These include shifting utilities like power cables and water lines, managing train operations without disrupting services, and addressing speed restrictions near tracks. These factors make it difficult to specify a completion timeline.
Adarsh Station Scheme Achievements
Before the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 1,251 railway stations were developed under the Adarsh Station Scheme. This initiative improved station facades, waiting rooms, public address systems, signages, Pay & Use toilets, water coolers, high-level platforms, and facilities for Divyangjans and senior citizens.
