Indian Railways to revamp stations with new structures

Indian Railways is embarking on an initiative to enhance the utilisation of prime lands surrounding railway stations by replacing ageing, sparsely-distributed buildings with multi-storey structures. This endeavour aligns with the mission to transform major railway stations and their environs into vibrant city centres.The Ministry of Railways has instructed General Managers of Zonal Railways to develop master plans for station development. These plans will aim to take advantage of the prime location of railway stations in cities, which historically attracted urban growth. Many of these areas currently feature outdated low-height constructions with underutilised land.The master plans will emphasise dense utilisation and redevelopment, with a focus on multi-storey structures. Station buildings, including property development components, will be maximised in height. Construction over tracks will be limited to roof plazas and foot overbridges.The goal is to create well-designed city centres with utility and interconnectivity between various components. The plans will also prioritise developing identified plots for property development to their fullest potential, with stringent measures to prevent encroachments. The design of high-rise buildings will consider factors such as aviation, fire safety, and heritage preservation.Additionally, the development plans will include provisions for infrastructure like Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, elevators, escalators, and other amenities to cater to future growth.The Indian Railways has already announced the redevelopment of 508 stations under the 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,' which aims to create modern infrastructure and enhance passenger amenities.