Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

News: Recently, PM Modi laid the foundation stone to revamp the 508 railway stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme (ABSS).

What is ABSS?
• The scheme launched by Indian Railways aims to improve the amenities, facilities, and passenger experience at the stations by preparing master plans and implementing them in phases.

Key Features:
• Improvement of station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts/escalators, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products, better passenger information systems, executive lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping etc.
• Integration of the station with both sides of the city, multimodal integration, amenities for Divyangjans, sustainable and environment friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks, ‘Roof Plazas’, and creation of city centres at the station in the long term.
• Development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision and phasing and feasibility.
• Platforms will undergo a resurfacing and aesthetic uplift, with the introduction of captivating landscaping on platform walls.
• Keeping in step with the Swachh Bharat mission, the station will introduce a modular Sewage Treatment Plant, ensuring efficient sewage treatment and a cleaner environment.
• The existing booking office and other administrative buildings will undergo a thorough renovation, aligning     them with the scheme's overarching vision.
• Use of budgetary funds as well as public-private partnership (PPP) model for some stations.

Significance:
• The modernization of stations will create a new atmosphere for development in the country as they will create a good first impression among the visitors.
• Upgraded stations will not only increase tourism but will also give a push to economic activities in the nearby areas.
• Additionally, ‘One Station One Product’ scheme will help the artisans and will help in the branding of the district.
• Railways play a crucial role in giving momentum to the economic growth of the country.