For the development of railway stations on a continuous basis with a long term vision, prime minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for 508 Railway stations across the nation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme on Sunday.

The scheme envisions to transform and revitalize 1,309 railway stations across the nation and aims to breathe a new life into the travel hubs and enhance overall passenger experience.

Addressing a press meet in Mumbai on Friday, Naresh Lalwani, general manager, Central Railways, said that Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages to take up 76 railway stations over the Central Railway for upgradation/modernization and out of that foundation stone will be laid at 38 stations.

“It involves preparation of Master Plans and their implementation in phases to improve the amenities at the stations like improvement of station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts/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 station.”

The scheme also envisages improvement of building, integrating the station with both sides of the city, multimodal integration, amenities for Divyangjans, sustainable and environment friendly solutions, provision of ballast less tracks, ‘Roof Plazas’ as per necessity, phasing and feasibility and creation of city centres at the station in the long term.

The 76 stations of Central Railway to be undertaken for upgradation and redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme include:

Mumbai Division: Byculla, Chinchpokli, Parel, Matunga, Kurla, Vidyavihar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Mumbra, Diva, Shahad, Titwala, Igatpuri, Wadala Road, Sandhurst Road

Pune Division: Kolhapur, Hadapsar, Chinchwad, Satara, Sangli, Karad, Talegaon, Hathkanangle, Akurdi, Baramati, Dehuroad, Kedgaon, Uruli, Lonand, Wathar, Phalton

Nagpur Division: Balharshah, Betul, Chandrapur, Sewagram, Pulgaon, Dhamangaon, Amla, Narkher, Katol, Pandhurna, Junnardeo, Hinganghat, Multai, Ghoradongri, Godhani

Bhusawal Division: Badnera, Malkapur, Murtizapur, Nepanagar, Shegaon, Devlali, Manmad, Nandura, Nandgaon, Chalisgaon, Pachora, Dhule, Lasalgaon, Raver, Savda

Solapur Division: Solapur, Kalburgi, Daund, Pandharpur, Wadi, Kurduwadi, Ahmednagar, Kopargaon, Latur, Shahabad, Belapur, Gangapur road, Dudhani, Osmanabad, Jeur

Lalwani further said that 15 suburban stations of Mumbai have been identified to be upgraded and redeveloped, including easing commutation and providing better passenger experience. He also said that Central Railway’s Mumbai Suburban Stations’ journey towards rejuvenation through the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme embodies a commitment to progress, convenience, and a brighter future for passengers and elevate travel experience by way of:
 
Elegant Station Building: A new station building will redefine Station's architectural landscape, reflecting a modern and inviting design.

Focus on Swachh Bharat: Keeping in step with the Swachh Bharat mission, the station will introduce a modular Sewage Treatment Plant, ensuring efficient sewage treatment and a cleaner environment.

Aesthetic Platforms: Platforms will undergo a resurfacing and aesthetic uplift, with the introduction of captivating landscaping on platform walls.

Passenger Amenities: Travelers will enjoy improved amenities, including better seating, drinking water facilities, and enhanced lighting and ventilation on platforms and within the station building.

Enhanced Connectivity: A revamped foot over bridge, supplemented by additional lift and escalator facilities, will ease passenger movement and accessibility.

Guidance and Information: Modernized train indication boards and passenger-friendly signages will facilitate seamless navigation within the station premises.

Functional Upgrades: The existing booking office and other administrative buildings will undergo a thorough renovation, aligning them with the scheme's overarching vision.

Inclusivity: All improvements will be designed to be Divyangjan (specially-abled) friendly, ensuring equal access and convenience for all