91 stations of NFR are redeveloping under Amrit Bharat Scheme

way2barak, 10 Aug:  Ministry of Railways has recently launched Amrit Bharat Station scheme. This scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term approach. Ashwini Vaishnaw Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, said this during a reply tabled in the Parliament.

He stated that, this scheme 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, 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.

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 etc., as per necessity, phasing and feasibility and creation of city centres at the station in the long term.  Total 1324 no’s of stations have been selected under this scheme based on proposals received from Zonal Railways, stations located in major cities and towns.

In Northeast Frontier Railway 91 stations are being redeveloped under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). Indian Railways is committed to make its railway stations accessible for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) as part of “Sugamya Bharat Mission” or ‘Accessible India Campaign’ of Government of India. The guidelines for accessibility of Indian Railways stations have been notified in the official Gazette of India. These guidelines include provisions of Divyangjan related facilities such as entrance ramps accessible parking, low height ticket counter/help booths, toilets, drinking water booth, sub-ways/foot over bridges with ramps/lifts, standard signage’s including Braille signage’s and tactile pathways for visual impairment etc.

The upgradation of the stations will lead to creation of new avenues which will lead to new employment, business opportunity. Upgraded stations will act as the centre for socio economic activities of the particular region promoting both connectivity and economic growth.