Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: 76 Central Railway stations to be upgraded, 15 in Mumbai

Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages to take up 76 railway stations over Central Railway for upgradation. Pic/Central Railway

The Indian Railways is set to embark on a visionary initiative, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at revitalizing 76 railway stations over Central Railway and 15 suburban stations in Mumbai. This transformative scheme, envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to enhance the passenger experience and upgrade the infrastructure of 1309 railway stations across the nation, marking a significant step towards modernizing travel hubs, an official statement said on Friday.

The launch of station upgradation work is scheduled at three suburban stations - Parel, Vikhroli, and Kanjurmarg, which will be inaugurated by the PM Modi on August 6, 2023.

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The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme involves a long-term vision for continuous development of stations, with a primary focus on improving amenities, access, and overall facilities for passengers. Naresh Lalwani, General Manager, emphasized that this scheme aims to upgrade and modernize 76 railway stations on the Central Railway network, with the foundation stone to be laid at 38 stations. The scheme entails the preparation and phased implementation of Master Plans for each station, addressing various aspects such as station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts, escalators, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, and more, the statement said.

Furthermore, the scheme envisions the provision of Executive Lounges, kiosks for local products through the 'One Station One Product' initiative, improved passenger information systems, better integration with the city on both sides of the station, and amenities for Divyangjans (specially-abled individuals). The focus also includes sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks, and the creation of 'Roof Plazas' where necessary.

The redevelopment of 76 stations over Central Railway will include several key stations such as Byculla, Matunga, Kurla, Titwala, Wadala Road, Kolhapur, Satara, Chandrapur, Manmad, Solapur, and Ahmednagar, among others.

For the 15 suburban stations in Mumbai, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to enhance the travel experience with a variety of upgrades. This includes the construction of new station buildings with modern and inviting designs, installation of modular Sewage Treatment Plants for better environmental hygiene, resurfacing and beautification of platforms with captivating landscaping, improved passenger amenities, better connectivity with the introduction of lifts and escalators, and modernized train indication boards and signages for easy navigation.

Central Railway's Mumbai Suburban Stations are poised to undergo a rejuvenation that emphasizes inclusivity, convenience, and progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The scheme's vision aligns infrastructure and connectivity with the aspirations of a thriving Mumbai city, promising a brighter future for passengers and a significant boost to the nation's railway network.