Indian Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for the development and modernisation of the Railway Stations across the Country. This Scheme will strengthen and maintains for the long term the infrastructure of around 1000 (one thousand) railway stations of the country. Under this scheme there are provisions of Rooftop Plazas, City Centres, passenger amenities like waiting halls, cafeteria, retail centres, parking spaces, proper visible sign boards, pedestrian pathways and many others. In this post details of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been discussed.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Important Points
| Name of the Scheme | Amrit Bharat Station Scheme |
| Purpose | Infrastructure Development of Railway Stations |
| Type | Renovation of existing infrastructure |
| Launched By | Ministry of Railways |
| Category | Scheme/ Yojana |
| Number of Stations to be renovated first | 1000 (One Thousand) |
| This Scheme Replaces | Adarsh Station Scheme introduced in 2009 |
| Rough Estimate | Rs.10 Crores to Rs. 20 Crores per station |
| Indian Railway Official Website | www.indianrail.gov.in |
Station Selection Process in Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Small Railway Stations will be modernised first. Indian Railways has authorised DRMs or the Divisional Railway Managers to identify small railway stations and take a call on modernisation of these stations in a phased manner. These railway stations are categorised into three types:
- NSG (Non Sub Urban Group)
- SG (Sub Urban Group)
- Halt Group (HG)
In the above groups each group is again subdivided into different groups. NSG is divided into 6 sub divisions, SG is divided into 3 sub divisions and HG is divided into 3 subdivisions. These divisions are done on the basis of annual revenue collection of the stations and the number of passengers that these station services. According to the scheme, small railway stations are identified as those with annual revenue of less than Rs 20 crore, and passenger volume of less than 50 lakh.
A committee of senior railway executives will review and approve the stations after being chosen by the zonal railways.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Modernisation Amenities
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme redevelopment or renovation of many amenities will take place. Some of them are as under:
Platforms
Platforms will be upgraded as high level platforms. Generally, the normal platforms has a length of 600m. These platforms are proposed to be upgraded to high level platforms which are of length 760m to 840 m. Access to the platforms will also be made smooth for hassle free entry and exit. The drainage near the platform area will also be taken care of. The drainage covers will be aesthetically designed to protect them form theft.
5G Network and Wi-Fi
There is a provision of providing seamless Wi-Fi services to passengers for free. 5g tower spaces will also be developed for the installation of 5g machinery.
Escalators
There is also a provision for escalators which will help passengers to reach at the platforms with ease.
Amenities in Waiting Rooms
Amenities in waiting rooms, offices or platforms such as furniture will be reviewed and their renovation will be done if needed.
Facilities for Divyangjans
Under the scheme amenities for Divyangjans will also be taken care of. Toilets will be made accessible and easily visible for the Divyangjans at these stations. The Railway Board will issue the policies related to this from time to time.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to replace Adarsh Station Scheme
The propsed Amrit Bharat Scheme is going to replace Adarsh Station Scheme which was launched in 2009 under which a total of 1253 Railway Stations were to be developed. Out of 1253, 1215 stations has been developed and 38 remaining stations will be developed by 2022-23 stated the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to prepare master plans of the railway stations and implement the master plan phase wise to enhance the facilities including and beyond the Minimum Essential Amenities which are not only limited to inside of the station but also outside area of the station and it aims for long-term establishment of Rooftop Plazas and city centres at the station.
Know more about various schemes:
