If you were hoping for a transformation in rail travel across India, you will be delighted to hear that the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has inaugurated the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. What exactly is this scheme, and how will it affect the railway landscape in India? Let’s dive into the details.
What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)
Launched in February, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is a visionary initiative designed to transform and rejuvenate 1,309 railway stations across the nation. The scheme envisages the continuous development of stations with a long-term perspective, drafting ‘master plans’ for each location and implementing them in phases.
The result? Railway stations that are more than just a hub for trains, but a centre of socio-economic activities fitted with world-class facilities.
On Sunday, PM Modi, via video conferencing, virtually laid the foundation stone to revamp 508 railway stations across the country under the ABSS initiative. Of the 508 stations, 13 are located in Karnataka and these will see an investment of ₹303 crores for their transformation.
During the event, the PM referred to this milestone as a new chapter in the history of Indian Railways, signifying a leap toward the nation’s development goal. On top of this, a total investment of ₹25,000 crore is planned for the 508 stations.
The Station Upgrade – What Changes are in Store?
So, what will the ABSS bring to these railway stations? Here is a list of the significant enhancements that are planned –
- Roof plaza
- Shopping zone
- Food court
- Children’s play area
- Segregated entry and exit gates
- Multi-level parking
- Lifts and escalators
- Executive lounge
- Waiting area
- Travellator
- Physically challenged-friendly facilities
With these changes, the stations will not only boost the passenger experience but also become iconic landmarks within their respective cities. The addition of multi-modal connectivity will further transform these stations into bustling hubs of socio-economic activities.
The ABSS is set to revolutionize railway transport, bridging the gap between the current infrastructure and the world-class facilities that India desires. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has taken a significant leap with this initiative, not just improving the passenger experience but also providing a facelift to the country’s railway infrastructure.
