PM to Launch Redevelopment Of 508 Railway Stations on 6th August

On 6th August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across different regions of India via video conference. 

The Prime Minister's vision revolves around providing world-class amenities at railway stations, which led to the initiation of the 'Amrit Bharat Station Yojana.'

• This scheme aims to redevelop 1309 stations in the country, and now the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 stations is being laid as part of the 'AMRUT Bharat Station' project.

• The redevelopment of these stations will be carried out at a cost of over Rs 24,470 crore. The plan involves creating master plans to transform these stations into 'city centres' by properly connecting both sides of the city.

• This integrated approach aligns with the Prime Minister's vision for holistic urban development, focusing on the areas surrounding the railway stations.

A majority of the stations in UP and Rajasthan included in initiative:

• The 508 stations are spread across 27 states and union territories of India, with Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan having the highest number of railway stations (55). 

• Apart from this, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 in Gujarat, 21 in Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu 18 in Haryana, 15 in Haryana, 13 in Karnataka have been included.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• The primary goal of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is to develop stations sustainably with a long-term perspective. It involves master planning and implementation of the plan to enhance facilities, going beyond the minimum requirements. The scheme aims to facilitate low-cost redevelopment that can be executed efficiently.

Important facts related to the scheme:

• The redevelopment work under this scheme will focus on providing commuters with modern amenities, well-coordinated traffic facilities, inter-modal integration, and well-designed signages to guide travellers.

• The station buildings' designs will draw inspiration from local culture, heritage, and architecture.

Facilities to be developed under the scheme

• Provision of Roof Plaza

• Free Wi-Fi, safe space for 5G mobile towers

• High-level platforms with a length of 600 meters at all stations

• Development of special facilities for people with disabilities

• Ensuring access through widening of roads, removal of unwanted structures, properly designed signage, dedicated pedestrian paths, planned parking areas, better lighting etc.