• Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 103 redeveloped railway stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

• The PM inaugurated these stations during a programme in Bikaner, Rajasthan on May 22.

• These 103 Amrit Stations, situated in 86 districts across 18 states and Union Territories, have been developed at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term plan to improve railway stations across India in a step-by-step manner.

• Under the scheme, 1,337 railway stations are being renovated and modernised.

• The origin of Amrit Bharat Stations scheme can be traced back to 2021, when Gandhinagar became the first railway station to undergo modernisation, replete with all modern facilities and a five star hotel. Later on in the same year, Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, formerly known as Habibganj, was redeveloped. 

• Detailed plans are made for each station and the work is done in phases, based on what each station needs.

• It also focuses on upgrading the station buildings, connecting both sides of the city through the station, and linking stations with other transport options like buses and metros. 

• Eco-friendly solutions, noise-free tracks, and better planning are also part of the improvements. In the long run, the aim is to turn stations into vibrant city centres that serve many purposes beyond just travel.

Features of the redeveloped stations:

• Each of the redeveloped facilities sports a grand entrance gate, attractive decoration, high-mast lighting, modern waiting room and toilets, accessible ramp for disabled, and a platform shelter.

• The goal is to make stations cleaner, more comfortable, and easier to use. This includes improving toilets, platforms, and roofing. 

• Facilities like lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi are added wherever needed. There are also better signs and information systems to help passengers. 

• Some stations will have executive lounges and special areas for business meetings. 

• Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, and efforts will be made to make stations look greener and more attractive.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)