New Delhi: The Union government has announced plans to develop 1,337 railway stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided these details in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, outlining the scope and goals of the initiative.
157 Stations in Aspirational Districts Selected
As part of the scheme, 157 railway stations located in Aspirational Districts—regions identified for targeted developmental interventions—have been earmarked for upgrades. These districts are considered priorities to bridge regional disparities.
Key Features of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The ABSS focuses on modernizing railway stations through:
Enhanced passenger amenities.
Integration with urban infrastructure, including both sides of the city.
Seamless multimodal connectivity for passengers.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Facilities for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).
Installation of ballastless tracks, where necessary and feasible.
Long-Term Vision: City-Centric Transit Hubs
The scheme also envisions transforming railway stations into city centers in the long term, making them more than just transit points. This aligns with the government’s efforts to make railway infrastructure more accessible, efficient, and eco-friendly.
Focus on Feasibility and Phased Implementation
The minister clarified that development work would be undertaken in phases, depending on the feasibility and specific requirements of each station.
Part of Broader Railway Modernization Efforts
This initiative is a part of the government’s larger push to modernize the railway network and improve the passenger experience. However, experts stress the importance of transparent execution and clear benchmarks to measure the scheme’s success.
