In a significant move towards modernising India’s railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate 103 Amrit Bharat stations across 18 states from Bikaner, Rajasthan, on May 22.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a visionary initiative aimed at enhancing railway stations by improving accessibility, aesthetics, and passenger experience.
Under this scheme, stations will be upgraded with better facilities, including improved entry and exit points, enhanced waiting halls, modernised toilets, and eco-friendly designs. To ensure seamless travel, provisions like lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi will be introduced wherever required. Additionally, the scheme promotes local crafts through the ‘One Station One Product’ initiative, where indigenous artefacts, handicrafts, and regional food products will be showcased and sold at kiosks.
A unique aspect of this modernisation drive is the architectural inspiration drawn from local heritage. Ahmedabad station, for instance, will reflect the grandeur of the Modhera Sun Temple, while Dwarka station will be themed around the Dwarkadheesh Temple. The focus is not only on aesthetics but also on making stations inclusive for persons with disabilities, ensuring accessibility with ramps, Braille signage, and designated pathways.
With Indian Railways committed to upgrading facilities to world-class standards, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme signifies a transformative shift in how railway stations function, not just as transit hubs but as dynamic city centres that embody local identity, convenience, and innovation.