Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

News: During his recent visit to Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the country’s railway infrastructure has entered a new era of modernization under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

• This Scheme is a long-term plan to redevelop and modernize railway stations across India in a phased manner in order to elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers.
• Under this scheme, detailed plans are made for each station and the work is done in phases, based on what each station needs.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Railways
• Started in: The origin of the scheme can be traced back to 2021, when Gandhinagar became the first Railway station to undergo modernization.
• Goal: The goal of the scheme is to make stations cleaner, more comfortable, and easier to use.
  • The scheme focuses on upgrading the station buildings, connecting both sides of the city through the station, and linking stations with other transport options like buses and metros.
• Objective: Objectives of the scheme are:
  • Preparation of Master Plans of the Railway stations and implementation in phases to enhance the facilities including and beyond the Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA)
  • Cater for the introduction of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities
  • Relocate redundant/old buildings in a cost-efficient manner.
• ‘One Station One Product’ scheme: Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme.
• Features
  • The designs of redeveloped station buildings are inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture. Some examples are-
    • The Ahmedabad station draws inspiration from the Modhera Sun Temple
    • Dwarka station is inspired by the Dwarkadheesh Temple
    • Gurugram station will carry the IT theme
    • Baleshwar station in Odisha will be designed on theme of Bhagwan Jagannath Temple
    • Kumbhakonam Station in Tamil Nadu is influenced by the Chola architecture.
  • Divyang friendly: The stations are made friendly for Divyangs as part of “Sugamya Bharat Mission” or ‘Accessible India Campaign’.
  • Other key features of these stations include enhanced passenger information systems, free Wi-Fi, wider roads, well-constructed underpasses, foot overbridges, modern waiting areas, executive lounges, spacious circulating areas, grand porches, enhanced parking facilities, alongside improved lighting arrangements, modern restrooms, and lifts, all designed to be disability-friendly.
• Progress: Over 1,300 stations are being redeveloped with modern facilities, under the Scheme.