Press Information Bureau

Introduction

Railway stations have long been the heartbeats of Indian towns and cities, bustling with stories, memories and movement. While they have faithfully served millions over the years, many of these spaces have stayed largely unchanged, quietly waiting for a new chapter. That moment has arrived.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term plan to improve railway stations across India in a step-by-step manner. Under this scheme, detailed plans are made for each station and the work is done in phases, based on what each station needs.

The goal is to make stations cleaner, more comfortable, and easier to use. This includes improving entry and exit points, waiting halls, toilets, platforms, and roofing. Facilities like lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi are added wherever needed. There are also better signs and information systems to help passengers. Some stations will have executive lounges and special areas for business meetings. Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, and efforts will be made to make stations look greener and more attractive.

The Amrit Bharat Mission scheme also focuses on upgrading the station buildings, connecting both sides of the city through the station, and linking stations with other transport options like buses and metros. Special care is being taken to make stations friendly for persons with disabilities. Eco-friendly solutions, noise-free tracks, and better planning are also part of the improvements. In the long run, the aim is to turn stations into vibrant city centres that serve many purposes beyond just travel.[2]

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme signifies a concerted effort by Indian Railways to modernize its infrastructure in order to elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers. The scheme envisages building modern passenger amenities like aesthetically designed façade, resurfaced platforms, beautiful landscaping, roof plaza, kiosks, food courts, kids play area among others. Efforts to ensure smooth access encompass widening roads, removing unwanted structures, installing well-designed signages, establishing dedicated pedestrian pathways, and enhancing parking facilities, alongside improved lighting arrangements.

The origin of the Amrit Bharat Stations scheme can be traced back to 2021, when Gandhinagar became the first Railway station to undergo modernization, replete with all modern facilities and a five star hotel. Later on in the same year, Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, formerly known as Habibganj wore a new look.[4]

Indian Railways is committed to make its railway stations accessible for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans) and passengers with reduced mobility as part of “Sugamya Bharat Mission” or ‘Accessible India Campaign’ of Government of India. The guidelines include provisions of facilities for Divyangjans and passengers with reduced mobility such as entrance ramps, accessible parking, low height ticket counters/help booths, toilets, drinking water booths, subways/foot over bridges with ramps/lifts, standard signages including Braille signages and tactile pathways for visual impairment, etc.[5]

An overview of the categories as part of guidelines on accessibility of Indian railway stations and facilities at stations for differently abled persons (Divyangjan) and passengers with reduced mobility-

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Conclusion

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme marks a major step towards transforming India’s railway infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing and modern nation. By focusing on passenger comfort, local culture, sustainability and better connectivity, the scheme is redefining what a railway station can be. No longer just places to catch a train, these stations are becoming clean, accessible, and vibrant spaces that reflect the spirit of their cities. The scheme reflects the government’s strong commitment to inclusive and future-ready development. The Indian Railways is not just moving people; it is moving forward with a vision.

References

· https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1811345

· https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AS189_1gSltS.pdf?source=pqals

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2009790

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2009790

· https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AU3833_Xdi9DU.pdf?source=pqals

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane