Photo : Proposed Ludhiana station
151 Nr Rly stations including 4 in Ferozepur Rail Divison to be modernized under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Redevelopment work underway at 9 key stations, offering world-class amenities
Ferozepur, October 19, 2024: The 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme' - launched in August 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to redevelop 151 stations under Northern Railway, transforming them into modern facilities. These revamped stations will not only offer enhanced amenities for passengers but also maximize the utilization of railway property as key urban centers. The stations will feature seamless multi-modal transport integration, facilitating smooth travel while providing economic opportunities such as shops, malls, office spaces, and food courts. This initiative aims to make railway stations vital hubs within cities.
Currently, redevelopment work is ongoing at nine major stations: Jammu Tawi, Jalandhar Cantt, Ludhiana, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Kashi, Ayodhya Dham (Phase II), Meerut City, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The estimated cost for these projects is ₹2,564 crore. The scope of the project includes renovating station buildings, expanding facilities, and remodeling existing structures. Key passenger amenities such as new foot-over bridges (FOBs), lifts, escalators, and raised platforms with shelters are being constructed to improve the overall experience.
At Jammu Tawi station, spread over 38,336 square meters, work is progressing on eight major projects. These include the construction of new buildings on both sides of the station, two FOBs (on the Katra and Pathankot sides), air concourses, exterior beautification, and the creation of small bridges to ease traffic flow.
Stations in the National Capital Region, including Ghaziabad and Faridabad, are undergoing extensive redevelopment to accommodate the growing number of passengers. In Ghaziabad, new station buildings are being constructed on both the city and Vijay Nagar sides, with two FOBs being built under the expertise of IIT Roorkee. At Faridabad station, new buildings are being developed on both the east and west sides, with foundation work for concourses and FOBs already underway.
Kashi and Ayodhya Dham stations, previously smaller stops, are being developed as satellite stations for the pilgrimage cities of Varanasi and Ayodhya. With the increasing influx of both domestic and international travelers, Indian Railways is striving to provide comfortable and efficient travel. These stations are being modernized to reduce congestion at the main hubs, ensuring smooth passenger and freight operations.
General Manager of Northern Railway, Ashok Kumar Verma, emphasized the modernization efforts, stating, "Indian Railways, the country's main mode of transport, is being modernized in every aspect. From station upgrades to the launch of initiatives like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, electrification of routes, and commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability, Indian Railways has embarked on a 'development journey' to improve facilities and the overall travel experience."