New Delhi, India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the ambitious redevelopment of 508 railway stations across India on August 6. The redevelopment project, estimated to cost more than ₹24,470 crores, is part of the transformative Amrit Bharat Stations scheme, which aims to redevelop nearly 1300 prime railway stations in the country.
The selected 508 stations are distributed across 27 states and union territories, with significant allocations for key states. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will witness the redevelopment of 55 Amrit Stations at a combined cost of ₹4,000 crores, while Madhya Pradesh will see 34 stations being revamped at a cost of ₹1,000 crores. Maharashtra will undergo the redevelopment of 44 stations with an allocation of ₹1,500 crores. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and other states will also witness major station transformations under this scheme.
The Amrit Bharat Stations will be developed with an integrated approach, envisioning them as “City Centres” that seamlessly blend into the overall urban development of the city, centered around the railway station. The modernized stations will offer improved seating on platforms, upgraded waiting rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi services, among other passenger amenities.
To ensure efficient and convenient travel, the redeveloped stations will feature well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and clear signage for passenger guidance. Additionally, the architectural design of these stations will draw inspiration from the local culture, heritage, and landmarks, giving each station a unique identity.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the rapid progress of railway infrastructure in the Northeast region. He assured the public that work is underway for the doubling of lines, gauge conversion, electrification, and the establishment of new routes. As a result of these efforts, all state capitals of Northeast India will soon be interconnected by the railway network. Mr. Modi proudly announced that Nagaland has received its second railway station after a gap of 100 years.
The government’s commitment to environmental sustainability was emphasized as Mr. Modi outlined plans to produce green energy from every railway station in the near future. Efforts to promote eco-friendly practices in the railways include the installation of LED lights in approximately 70,000 coaches and a remarkable 28-fold increase in the number of bio-toilets in trains compared to 2014. The Prime Minister set an ambitious goal for India to have a railway network running on net zero emissions by 2030.
The redevelopment of these 508 Amrit Bharat Stations is expected to significantly enhance railway travel experiences and boost various sectors of the economy. With improved connectivity and streamlined facilities, these stations will play a vital role in driving India towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
