What is the plan for the Amrit Bharat station? Top facts to know about PM Modi’s planned foundation-laying ceremony for the rebuilding of 553 Indian Railways stations

Amrit Bharat station scheme: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate almost 2000 Indian Railways development projects, valued at over Rs 41,000 crore, by laying the foundation stone. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to renovate 553 railway stations, is one of these projects.
PM Narendra Modi said, “Today is a historic day for our Railways,” on X, the erstwhile Twitter platform, before of the foundation-laying event.

2000 railway infrastructure projects valued at more than Rs. 41,000 crores will be dedicated to the country at 12:30 PM. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 553 stations will be renovated to improve the traveler experience. These stations would have their foundation stones put. There will also be the opening of underpasses and overbridges across India. The people’s “Ease of Living” will be improved by these projects.

With the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the Prime Minister is going to start rebuilding 553 railway stations, which would need a significant expenditure of more than Rs 19,000 crore. These stations, which span 27 states and Union Territories, will be converted into dynamic “City Centers” that smoothly connect the city’s two halves.
They will include cutting-edge passenger facilities including food courts, kiosks, specialized kid-play spaces, intermodal connection, attractive landscaping, and roof plazas.

They will also be modified to be accessible to people with impairments and ecologically friendly. According to the official announcement, the architectural style and legacy of the area will serve as inspiration for the design of these stations.
The Amrit Bharat station scheme: what is it? Key information
The ‘Amrit Bharat Station program’ was launched by the Ministry of Railways with the goal of developing all of the Indian Railways’ stations. This program takes a long-term view, emphasizing the ongoing improvement of station amenities.

The plan calls for the creation and gradual implementation of Master Plans to improve a range of station facilities, including as restrooms, circulation spaces, waiting rooms, and access. Elevators and lifts will also be installed when required.
It also places a high priority on things like cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, supporting local businesses with programs like “One Station One Product,” improving PIS, creating executive lounges, setting aside areas for business meetings, and landscaping that is specific to each station.

The scheme also highlights improving station buildings, integrating stations with surrounding urban areas, encouraging multimodal integration, offering facilities for ‘Divyangjans’ (people with disabilities), introducing environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions, introducing ballastless tracks, and constructing ‘Roof Plazas’ where needed.

The plan also takes into account the long-term development of city centers at stations, phasing, and viability.
Many of these stations have separated entrance and exit points (departure and arrival) for the convenience of passengers by drawing inspiration from airport infrastructure.

On the Indian Railways network, 1251 stations have previously undergone development under the “Adarsh Stations Scheme,” while 1318 stations have been designated for renovation or refurbishment under this plan.