Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Maharashtra CM Shinde says project will rejuvenate railways with modern amenities

Eknath Shinde. File Pic

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme' launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will rejuvenate railway stations in the country by providing modern amenities, the PTI reported.

As part of the scheme, 508 railway stations will be redeveloped into world class ones, including 44 in Maharashtra. Of these, Kanjurmarg, Parel and Vikhroli are on Mumbai's Central Railway network.

In a statement, CM Eknath Shinde said the railway budget has made provision of Rs 13,539 crore for various projects, including modernisation of 123 railway stations in Maharashtra.

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The Maharashtra CM described Sunday as a historic day since the launch of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme will ensure passengers get quality services and amenities.

The redevelopment will involve making stations as 'city centres" with amenities like roof plaza, shopping zone, food court, segregated entry and exits, multi level parking, escalators etc.

Meanwhile, The Indian Railways is set to embark on a visionary initiative, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at revitalizing 76 railway stations over Central Railway and 15 suburban stations in Mumbai.

The transformative scheme, envisioned by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to enhance the passenger experience and upgrade the infrastructure of 1309 railway stations across the nation, marking a significant step towards modernizing travel hubs, an official statement said on Friday.

The launch of station upgradation work is scheduled at three suburban stations - Parel, Vikhroli, and Kanjurmarg, which was inaugurated by the PM Modi on August 6.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme involves a long-term vision for continuous development of stations, with a primary focus on improving amenities, access, and overall facilities for passengers. Naresh Lalwani, General Manager, emphasized that this scheme aims to upgrade and modernize 76 railway stations on the Central Railway network, with the foundation stone to be laid at 38 stations. The scheme entails the preparation and phased implementation of Master Plans for each station, addressing various aspects such as station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts, escalators, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, and more, the statement said.

Furthermore, the scheme envisions the provision of Executive Lounges, kiosks for local products through the 'One Station One Product' initiative, improved passenger information systems, better integration with the city on both sides of the station, and amenities for Divyangjans (specially-abled individuals). The focus also includes sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks, and the creation of 'Roof Plazas' where necessary.

(with PTI inputs)