Amrit Bharat station scheme

Introduction

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme represents a holistic approach to station development. By combining infrastructure upgrades with passenger-centric amenities, it sets the stage for a more efficient, accessible, and enjoyable rail travel experience. As these stations evolve, they become not just transit points but integral parts of our cities’ fabric.

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What is Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways to create upgraded Modern stations that function not only as boarding points for trains but also as city centers where various business activities, shopping, leisure, and meetings can take place.The scheme involves the preparation of Master Plans and their phased implementation to improve various amenities at the stations.As of now, a total of 1309 stations have been earmarked for development under this scheme.

Objective of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

The broad objectives of the new scheme are as follows:

Transforming Stations into City Centers
Seamless Multi-Modal Connectivity such as buses, taxis, etc to enhance overall accessibility.

Criteria for selection of Station Under Scheme

Selection Criteria for Stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme include:

NSG Category: Stations falling under NSG-2(Non Suburban Grade Passenger earning 100 to 500 crore) and NSG-3 (Non Suburban Grade Passenger earning 20 to 100 crore) categories are prioritised.
Tourist and Pilgrimage Importance Stations
Divisional and Zonal Headquarter Stations
Any additional stations with local importance are considered with approval of the Railway Board.

Budget for Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

The modernisation and upgrading of railway stations is a continuous and ongoing job. Budget provision has been made from station earnings as well as Indian Railways is also exploring diverse models for the development and maintenance of railway stations. These models includes Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) methods, alternative non-EPC approaches, and, in a limited capacity, a select number of stations are being considered for development under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

Key Features of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

The scope of work to achieve the stated objectives includes the following key elements:

Rebuilding/Improvement/Augmentation of Station Building: The scheme calls for the reconstruction or improvement of station buildings to create iconic structures with modern, state-of-the-art facilities. The design should be futuristic, catering to a 40-60 year horizon.

Integration with Both Sides of the City: Integration involves the placement of station buildings on both sides of railway lines, with segregation of arrival and departure areas. This also includes large public spaces and commercial areas. Connectivity to the stations is upgraded through road widening, strengthening, or the creation of new roads, pedestrian paths, cycle paths, skywalks, and bridges to enhance accessibility and modal integration.

Interior Passenger Facilities: Inside the station, passenger facilities include comfortable queuing, movement, waiting areas, ticketing services, portable drinking water, toilets, and retail spaces. The design should allow for flexible access control and modularity of construction to accommodate current and future traffic.

Booking/Reservation Offices: Booking and reservation offices are preferably housed within the main station building. If placed separately, covered pathways in sync with the overall design should be provided.

Roof Plaza/Concourse: Wherever possible, roof plazas or concourses are incorporated to offer passengers and users a comfortable waiting space with amenities such as lounges, recreation areas, seating arrangements, shopping areas, and dining options. Concourses should be designed in multiples of 36/72/108 meters.

Aesthetically Appealing Solutions: The station design includes aesthetically appealing solutions for platform surfaces, covers, furniture, OHE masts, through roofs, and incorporates elements of local art and culture in the interiors.

User-Experience Focus: The upgraded station complex prioritizes user experience through good illumination, comfortable movement with lift/escalators/travelators, logical wayfinding, effective signage, acoustics, vibration control, CCTV coverage, and emergency evacuation measures. The complex is designed to be Divyang friendly.

Sustainability Elements: Sustainability elements involve efficient energy and water conservation, superior waste management, and technologies like Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Building Management System (BMS).

Pick-ups/Drop-offs and Parking: Well-planned pick-up/drop-off points for passengers, designated places for cabs/aggregators, and public transportation. Parking facilities include charging stations, preferably with fast charging, for electric vehicles.

Development of Parcel Area: Development of the parcel area with well-connected, lit pathways for cart transportation, and optimization of solar energy potential at the location.

Local Products and ‘One Station One Product’ Initiative: Kiosks showcasing local products add vibrancy to stations. The ‘One Station One Product’ initiative encourages the sale of unique regional items.

Executive Lounges and Business Meeting Spaces: For business travelers, the scheme provides executive lounges and designated spaces for meetings.

Tree Cover Improvement: A special focus is placed on enhancing the tree cover in the station area.