Nilanjan
Indian Railways is the lifeline of the nation, connecting millions of people and places every day. It is also one of the largest and oldest railway networks in the world, with a history of over 160 years. However, over the years, the railway infrastructure has become outdated and inadequate to meet the growing demands and expectations of the passengers.
To address this challenge, the government has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), a visionary initiative to transform and revitalize 1,309 railway stations across the country. The scheme aims to make these stations world-class travel hubs, with state-of-the-art amenities, facilities, and services.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ABSS on Sunday, August 6, 2023, via video link from Delhi. He laid the foundation stone for 508 railway stations in various states, with an investment of Rs. 25,000 crore. He also unveiled the new logos and names of these stations, which reflect the rich culture and heritage of India.
List of Stations Under ABSS in the State
The 13 railway stations selected for the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are as follows:
| S. No. | Railway Stations |
| 1. | Ballari |
| 2. | Ghatprabha |
| 3. | Gokak Road |
| 4. | Bidar |
| 5. | Alnavar |
| 6. | Gadag |
| 7. | Koppal |
| 8. | Harihar |
| 9. | Arsikere |
| 10. | Mangaluru Jn. |
| 11. | Wadi |
| 12. | Kalaburagi Jn. (Gulbarga) |
| 13. | Shahabad |
Features of Rejuvenated Stations
The rejuvenated railway stations under the ABSS will offer world-class amenities and facilities. Some of the features that these stations will incorporate include:
- Roof plaza: A spacious and green area on the roof of the station building, where passengers can relax and enjoy the view of the city.
- Shopping zone: A dedicated area for shopping, where passengers can find a variety of products, from branded items to local specialties.
- Food court: A food court with multiple cuisines and outlets, where passengers can satisfy their taste buds and hunger.
- Children’s play area: A play area for children, where they can have fun and learn new things.
- Segregated entry and exit gates: Separate gates for entry and exit of passengers, to avoid congestion and confusion.
- Multi-level parking: A multi-level parking facility for vehicles, with adequate space and security.
- Lifts and escalators: Lifts and escalators for easy movement of passengers, especially for senior citizens and differently-abled persons.
- Executive lounge: An executive lounge for premium passengers, where they can enjoy comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, refreshments, etc.
- Waiting area: A waiting area with comfortable seats, charging points, free Wi-Fi, etc., where passengers can wait for their trains or relax after their journey.
- Travellator: A travellator or moving walkway for passengers to move between platforms or concourses easily and quickly.
- Physically challenged-friendly facilities: Facilities such as ramps, wheelchairs, Braille signage, etc., for physically challenged persons to access the station without any difficulty.
The ABSS is not just a scheme to beautify and modernize the railway stations, but also a holistic approach to transform them into centers of socio-economic activities in their respective regions. The scheme envisages the integration of multi-modal connectivity, such as metro, bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, cycle, etc., to provide seamless and convenient access to the passengers. The scheme also aims to promote local products and crafts through kiosks and stalls at the stations.
The ABSS will also enhance the passenger experience by providing world-class amenities and facilities at the stations. Some of the features that these stations will incorporate include:
The ABSS will not only improve the railway infrastructure and passenger experience but also create employment opportunities for thousands of people. The scheme will also boost tourism and trade in the country by attracting more domestic and foreign visitors.
The ABSS is a landmark initiative that will usher in a new era of modern and efficient transportation facilities in India. It will also showcase the pride and glory of India to the world. The ABSS is truly a new dawn for Indian Railways.
