Railway to revamp 1,000 small stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

The new Amrit Bharat Station Scheme by the railways aims to modernise 1,000 minor but significant stations. This is in addition to the proposal to remodel 200 large stations as part of a different redevelopment initiative. According to officials, the small stations will be determined based on the cities they serve as well as their foot traffic. The goal is to identify emerging cities with potential and envision railroad stations as city centres that, in the future, would connect not just different areas of the same city but also different cities. Everything that is connected to it, including bridges and various kinds of transportation, will be mapped. “The idea is to start modernising stations in a cost-effective manner. According to need, the divisional railway managers (DRMs) will take a call on modernisation works in a phased manner,” an official said. Along with the DRMs, a separate fund will be set aside for this objective. The project document states that it wants to create roof plazas and city centres at stations and to prepare master plans for railroad stations and implement those in phases to improve facilities including and beyond the minimum needed amenities. According to the plan, new amenities will be added, while existing facilities will be upgraded and replaced. The Khurda model of redevelopment, as it is known internally, will be used to renovate these stations. Odisha's Khurda station received a $4 million upgrade with all modern amenities for travellers. Renovations were made to the exterior, the main building, and the number of railroad tracks. According to the official, DRMs were given a tour of the Khurda station to gain a sense of what can be done with the new programme. The new plan calls for large, well-lit, and visually beautiful entrance porches in addition to cost-effective exterior improvements. The DRMs have been given instructions to assess the station's existing structures in order to make room for passengers near the entrances and to permit the relocation of rail offices. “The scheme aims at relocating redundant/old buildings in a cost-efficient manner so that the space is released for higher priority passenger-related activities and so that future development may be carried out smoothly. “Creation of new buildings should generally be avoided other than those required for relocation of old structures or relocation of structures to improve circulation or provision of structures to improve the size of waiting halls. Decision on this shall be taken by the DRM,” the scheme document said. Improvements to these stations' approaches would include widened roadways, the removal of obtrusive structures, correctly designed signs, designated pedestrian walkways, well-planned parking areas, and better lighting, among other things. “Elements of landscaping, green patches and local art and culture should be used to create a pleasant experience for the station users. This should be done with the help of suitable professionals,” the document said. The station should also have a second entry station building and 600m long high-level platforms. See also: 1,253 railway stations to undergo revamp under Adarsh schemeJodhpur's railway station to get Rs 5 billion renovation