The Ministry of Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to redevelop stations through a long-term, phased approach. The scheme focuses on preparing master plans and implementing them progressively to modernise key passenger amenities and improve station infrastructure.

Master plans include enhancements such as:

Better access to stations and circulating areas

Integration of stations with both sides of the city

Upgraded station buildings

Improved waiting halls, toilets, seating and water facilities

Wider foot overbridges or air concourses based on passenger flows

Lifts, escalators and ramps

Improved platform surfaces and expanded platform shelters

Kiosks for local products under ‘One Station One Product’

Parking facilities and multimodal integration

Amenities for Divyangjans

Enhanced passenger information systems

Executive lounges, business meeting spaces and landscaping where needed

The scheme also aims to incorporate sustainable designs, environment-friendly solutions, ballastless tracks where necessary, and, in the long term, development of city-centre spaces around stations.

So far, 1,337 stations have been identified under the scheme, with work progressing at a strong pace. A total of 155 stations have already been upgraded. Stations are selected based on proposals from Zonal Railways, as well as those located in major cities and important tourism or pilgrimage hubs.

Development and modernisation work under the scheme is funded through Plan Head-53, ‘Customer Amenities’. For FY 2025–26, Rs 121.18 billion has been allocated, and Rs 72.53 billion has been spent up to October 2025. These allocations are maintained Zonal Railway-wise rather than by station or state.

While the scheme is primarily funded through budgetary support, 15 stations have been identified for potential development through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) route. Insights from these projects may shape future iterations of the scheme.

The Ministry emphasises that heritage structures are preserved during station redevelopment, with site-specific measures tailored to each location. Technological improvements—aimed at widening access to innovation, supporting economic growth and addressing India-specific challenges—remain an ongoing focus.

Station development is a continuous process, undertaken subject to priorities and available funding. Higher-category stations receive precedence during planning and execution. Given the complexity of redevelopment work—including safety considerations, statutory clearances and brownfield challenges such as shifting utilities, maintaining train operations and managing high-voltage lines—completion timelines cannot be firmly specified.

This information was shared by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.