Parliament Pushes for Faster Railway Station Work
A parliamentary committee has called for the swift modernisation of 1,337 railway stations identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, emphasising that timely completion of these upgrades is crucial for improving India’s rail infrastructure. The Standing Committee on Railways, in its recent report to the Lok Sabha, urged the Ministry of Railways to fast-track the modernisation process, ensuring that the projects are completed within a defined timeframe through consistent monitoring.
The committee further recommended expanding the scope of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, particularly to include stations in rural and underdeveloped areas. The aim is to not only improve infrastructure in urban centres but also enhance accessibility and convenience for people in more remote regions.To further speed up station redevelopment, the panel suggested the exploration of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for various railway infrastructure projects. These models could reduce the financial burden on the government by attracting private investments.
The committee also highlighted the importance of maintaining subsidies for suburban and non-AC travel to ensure affordability while pushing for improvements in operational efficiency. This can be achieved through the accelerated electrification of rail lines and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies.Additionally, the report addressed the progress of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) initiative, a critical component of India’s logistics and freight transport network. Although detailed project reports (DPR) for several corridors have been prepared, the committee urged the Ministry of Railways to fast-track feasibility studies for new corridors to avoid delays.
The committee also stressed that work on the remaining portion of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) must be completed within the previously set timeline, without further extensions.By advocating for these measures, the parliamentary panel has underscored the urgency of modernising Indian Railways and ensuring its role as a key driver of economic growth and connectivity across the country. The initiatives outlined in the report are expected to improve passenger experience, boost freight efficiency, and enhance the overall functionality of India’s railway system.
