1309 Railway Stations have been identified under Amrit Bharat Station

Why is in news? 1309 Railway Stations have been identified under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for their development

Model Station Scheme was in vogue from 1999 to 2008. Under this scheme 594 stations were selected for upgradation on Indian Railways.

Out of these 34 stations in Madhya Pradesh were selected for upgradation and all the identified stations have been developed under this scheme.

A list of zone-wise stations developed under the Model Station scheme is appended.

Recently, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been launched for development of Railway stations on Indian Railways.

It envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long term vision.

It is based on Master Planning for long term and implementation of the elements of Master Plan as per the needs and patronage of the station.

Broad Objectives:

Implementation of the Master Plan in phases to enhance the facilities including and beyond the Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) and aiming for creation of Roof Plazas and city centres at the station in long run.

The scheme shall aim to meet the needs of the stakeholders, station usage studies as far as possible based on availability of funds and inter-se priority.

The scheme shall cater for introduction of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.

To improve the amenities at the stations like improvement of station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as necessary, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products through schemes like ‘One Station One Product’, better passenger information systems, executive lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping etc. keeping in view the necessity at each such station.

It will also cover the stations where detailed techno-economic feasibility studies have been conducted or are being conducted but the work for construction of Roof Plazas has not been taken up yet, ensuring the phasing of Master Plan being suitably implemented.

Attempts shall be made to club different grades/types of waiting halls and provide good cafeteria/retail facilities as far as possible

High level platforms (760-840 mill meter) shall be provided at all categories of stations.

Station approaches shall be improved to ensure smooth access by widening of roads, removal of unwanted structures, properly designed signages, dedicated pedestrian pathways, well planned parking areas, improved lighting etc.

Amenities for Divyangjan at stations shall be as per guidelines issued by Railway Board from time to time.

So far 1309 Railway Stations have been identified under this scheme including 80 no. of stations in the state of Madhya Pradesh.