Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

In News

• Recently, the Ministry of Railways has formulated a new policy for modernization of stations named “Amrit Bharat Station” scheme.

More about the news

• Vision:
  • The Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long term vision. 
• Key features of these proposed stations include following:
  • Provisions for roof top plazas, 
  • Longer platforms, 
  • Ballastless tracks, and 
  • 5G connectivity.
• Upgradation & redevelopment:
  • Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, stations will be equipped with facilities inspired by the mega-upgradation of marquee stations such as New Delhi and Ahmedabad.
  • The scheme will subsume all previous redevelopment projects where work is yet to begin.
• Facilities Planned under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme:
  • Provision for Roof Plaza to be created in future.
  • Free Wi-Fi, space for 5G mobile towers.
  • Smooth access by widening of roads, removal of unwanted structures, properly designed signages, dedicated pedestrian pathways, well planned parking areas, improved lighting etc.
  • High level platforms (760-840 mm) at all stations with a length of 600 metres
  • Special amenities for the disabled.

Broad  

• Master Plans:
  • The scheme aims at the preparation of Master Plans of the Railway stations and the implementation of the Master Plan in phases to enhance the facilities including and beyond the Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA). 
• Budgetary plans:
  • Plans and consequent budgets will only be approved on the basis of factors such as footfall and inputs from stakeholders. 
• Selection of stations:
  • Zonal railways have been given the responsibility of selecting stations, which will then be approved by a committee of senior railway officials.
• New amenities & upgradation:
  • The scheme shall cater for introduction of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.
• 5G connectivity:
  • The ministry hopes to leverage the participation of private telecom operators for 5G connectivity as all these stations will have free Wi-Fi facility and escalators for easy mobility.

Source: PIB