Indian Railways is embarking on a new era of advanced infrastructure, marked by the inauguration of 103 Amrit Bharat Stations.
This significant milestone under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) represents a profound commitment to transforming railway hubs into modern, passenger-centric facilities, strategically designed for long-term development. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the nation’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat,’ prioritising multimodal integration, enhanced amenities for Divyangjans, improved sustainability, and the evolution of stations into future-ready urban centres that foster a zero-net carbon and equitable living environment. Launched in December 2022, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been meticulously implemented across two foundational phases, with the Prime Minister laying the groundwork on August 6, 2023, and February 26, 2024. Beyond mere architectural upgrades, the scheme’s core philosophy focuses on holistic long-term development, aiming to integrate various modes of transport, improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, and embed sustainable practices into the very fabric of these public spaces. This strategic blueprint envisions railway stations not merely as transit points but as catalysts for sustainable urbanisation and community well-being.
The 103 redeveloped Amrit Bharat Stations showcase a harmonious blend of modern facilities with a deep respect for regional architecture, ensuring each station reflects the unique cultural heritage of its locale. This thoughtful design approach enhances the overall passenger experience while promoting a sense of place and identity. The stations are equipped with features that integrate contemporary infrastructure with cultural reverence, offering amenities that are truly passenger-centric, including specific provisions for Divyangjan accessibility, ensuring an inclusive environment for all travellers. A cornerstone of the Amrit Bharat initiative is its unwavering emphasis on cleanliness, cultural expression, and environmental consciousness. The pristine condition of these stations is viewed not just as a hygiene standard but as a fundamental aspect of dignity and respect for every passenger. Furthermore, the provision of free Wi-Fi connectivity at these hubs serves as a powerful tool for digital inclusivity, bridging gaps for users from remote or underserved areas and enabling modern professionals to remain connected and productive while in transit. This digital access is vital for an equitable society, ensuring information and opportunities are available to all.
Jaya Verma, former Chairman of the Railway Board, underscored the environmental foresight embedded within the scheme. She highlighted how the initiative actively promotes sustainability through the incorporation of eco-friendly features such as green pathways and climate-sensitive landscaping. These design choices not only work to reduce the environmental footprint of railway operations but also significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall comfort of the station environments, making them pleasant public spaces that contribute positively to urban greening efforts. Verma further elaborated that the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to modernise over 1,300 railway stations nationwide, transcends conventional architectural or technological enhancements. She stated that it represents a fundamental shift in how India approaches public infrastructure, seeking to blend functionality with inclusivity, heritage with modernity, and convenience with sustainability. The scheme’s ambitious vision posits railway stations as vibrant, integrated community spaces that intricately reflect a city’s unique character and actively support its socio-economic fabric, making them pivotal for developing gender-neutral and equitable urban centres.
This holistic transformation is set to redefine rail travel, setting new benchmarks for public infrastructure development in India.
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