PM Modi to lay foundation stone for redevelopment of 508 railway stations across India

Surat : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation Stone for redevelopment of 508 railway stations across Indian Railways, under the “Amrit Bharat Station Scheme” through video conferencing on August 6.

These 508 stations are spread across 27 states and union territories, including 55 each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana, 13 in Karnataka among others. These stations will be redeveloped under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at  a cost of over Rs. 24,470 crores

Indian Railways is moving ahead at a rapid pace in the direction of modernization and in realizing the Government of India’s vision of a New India. The work of redeveloping Railway Stations into world-class establishments is being done at a fast pace across the country.

Amidst this operation, work on three stations is complete. These include Gandhinagar Capital station in Gujarat, Rani Kamalapati station in Madhya Pradesh and Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal station in Bengaluru, Karnataka. These stations present a grand picture of modern India.

State-of-the-art facilities have been developed for passengers at these stations. Apart from lifts and escalators, concourses, waiting rooms, and retail areas with modern facilities have been developed for the smooth movement of passengers. Additionally, proper arrangements have been made for the arrival and departure of passengers and vehicle parking.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme started by the Government of India, 1309 railway stations across the country are being redeveloped with state-of-the-art facilities. Out of these, 120 stations are in the jurisdiction of Western Railway. Master Plans are being prepared for development of these stations as ‘City Centres’, with proper integration of both sides of the city.  Showcasing the grandeur of Indian Diversity, these redeveloped stations will be equipped with new state-of-the-art passenger amenities as well as upgradation & replacement of the existing facilities.

Facilities planned under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme include smooth access to Railway stations by removal of unwanted structures, improved lighting, better circulating area, upgraded parking space, divyangjan friendly infrastructure, environment friendly building by use of Green energy, etc.

The list of these stations is as under:

        Mumbai Division: Sanjan

        Vadodara Division: Bharuch, Miyagam Karjan, Vishwamitri, Dabhoi, Derol & Pratapnagar

        Ahmedabad Division: Viramgam, Asarva, Palanpur, Kalol Jn., New Bhuj, Bhachau, Patan, Himatnagar Jn. & Dhrangadhra

        Bhavnagar Division: Savarkundla, Botad Jn. & Keshod

        Rajkot Division: Surendranagar & Bhaktinagar

        Ratlam Division: Dewas & Chanderia

THE STANDARD ELEMENTS OF THE STATION:

        Development of stations as ‘City Centres’

        Integration of both sides of city

        Improvement/redevelopment of Station buildings

        Provision of well designed modern Passenger Amenities

        Well designed traffic circulation and inter-modal integration

        Uniform and well designed Signages for guidance of passengers

        Provision of suitable Property development in the Master Plans

        Landscaping, Local Art & Culture

BENEFITS OF THE “AMRIT BHARAT STATION” SCHEME

        Envisions a holistic development approach of stations

        Seeks to integrate railway stations harmoniously with the surrounding cities

        Will enhance the overall passenger experience

        Facilitate Multi-Modal integration

        Aims to enhance connectivity and ease of travel for commuters

        Divyangjan & Senior Citizen friendly amenities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all

        Station building will have eco-friendly features

The  foundation stone for redevelopment of Sanjan station of WR’s Mumbai Central Division under the “Amrit Bharat Station Scheme” will be undertaken at a total cost value of Rs. 24.71 crore. This also includes the provision of 12m wide Foot Over Bridge which will serve as Roof Plaza with facilities such as suitable seating for passengers, retail kiosks, etc.

The scope of work includes Improvement of Façade, Station entrance, Approach Road, Beautification of Circulating area, Parking area, etc. It also covers improvement in passenger amenities i.e. better illumination at Platforms & station premises, Platform surfacing, Platform Coversheds &, Booking Offices, Signages, improved Toilets blocks, Waiting Rooms, potable Drinking water facilities, seating arrangements, etc. including upgradation of Divyangjan facilities.

It is pertinent to mention that 120 stations of Western Railway have been identified for upgradation & transformation under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station scheme, out of which 87 stations are in the state of Gujarat, 16 stations are in Maharashtra state, 15 in Madhya Pradesh & 2 in Rajasthan.