Pirpainti Railway Station, a crucial transit point in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district, has undergone a comprehensive transformation, emerging as a beacon of modern railway infrastructure under the Indian Railways’ ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
This significant ₹18.93 crore redevelopment, part of ABSS’s initial phase, underscores a strategic imperative to elevate the passenger experience while simultaneously advancing India’s vision for zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and truly equitable urban and regional connectivity. Classified as a Non-Suburban Grade-5 (NSG-5) station within the Eastern Railway zone, Pirpainti’s modernisation holds substantial strategic importance for regional accessibility and socio-economic integration. The extensive upgrades encompass not only structural enhancements but also a thoughtful integration of amenities designed to enhance efficiency and comfort for a diverse spectrum of commuters. Key infrastructural improvements include the construction of a spacious 12-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), the installation of modern lifts for seamless vertical movement, and sophisticated civil and electrical works that underpin enhanced operational reliability. Furthermore, advanced signalling and telecommunication systems have been integrated to ensure smoother and safer train movements.
Beyond functional improvements, the station’s aesthetic appeal has been significantly reimagined. A new roof plaza, a contemporary facade, and dedicated arrival and departure blocks contribute to a visually appealing and intuitively navigable design. Aesthetic lighting, well-defined pedestrian walkways, and artistic sculptures that reflect Bihar’s rich cultural heritage have been incorporated, creating a welcoming and culturally resonant environment. This blend of modern design with traditional elements ensures the station serves as a gateway that celebrates local identity while providing world-class facilities. Passenger-centric upgrades have been paramount in this redevelopment. The station now features meticulously developed first-class and second-class waiting halls, an executive lounge, a reserved lounge, and a dedicated ladies’ waiting room, catering to varied traveller needs and promoting gender-neutral spaces. The concourse area and arrival block have been completely remodelled to facilitate smoother passenger flow, complemented by an expanded circulating area designed for enhanced movement and reduced congestion. To empower travellers with real-time information, large indoor and outdoor video walls have been installed, alongside clear and comprehensive signage for efficient navigation.
A critical aspect of the Pirpainti overhaul, aligning with the principles of equitable urbanism, is the dedicated attention paid to inclusivity. The station now boasts a range of differently-abled-friendly infrastructure, including tactile paths, accessible ramps, low-height inquiry counters, and universally accessible toilets. These provisions ensure that the station serves as a truly inclusive public space, accessible to all members of society, regardless of their physical abilities. According to Manish Kumar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Malda Railway Division, the redevelopment work’s progress at Pirpainti, valued at ₹18.93 crore under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, is a testament to dedicated execution. He emphasised the completion of modern waiting rooms, lounges, video walls, wayfinding signage, and Divyangjan-friendly amenities in the initial phase. The DRM further highlighted how the station’s green landscape is artfully adorned with statues and artistic elements, reflecting the vibrant local culture and reinforcing an eco-conscious design philosophy.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, initiated by the central government in 2021, aims to modernise over 1,300 railway stations nationwide. Its core focus transcends mere beautification, aspiring to create cleaner, safer, and universally accessible public spaces equipped with world-class amenities. On May 22nd, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate 103 newly redeveloped Amrit Bharat stations across 86 districts in 18 states and union territories. These stations, built at a collective cost exceeding ₹1,100 crore, signify a monumental leap forward in transforming India’s railway network into a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transport backbone that serves the nation’s burgeoning urban and rural populations.
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