Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Transforming Indian Railways

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched on August 6, 2023, by the Ministry of Railways.
Aim: To redevelop 1,337 railway stations across the country into world-class city centres .
Objective:
- Transform railway stations with airport-like facilities .
- Integrate local culture and heritage in station architecture.
- Enhance passenger amenities like executive lounges, food plazas, free Wi-Fi, and modern retail spaces.
Estimated Total Cost: ₹1 lakh crore.
Budget Allocation:
- FY 2023-24: ₹8,000 crore spent.
- FY 2024-25: ₹12,993 crore allocated.

Airport-like amenities: Executive lounges, business centres, and modern retail shops.
- Free Wi-Fi services, air-conditioned waiting halls, and modern escalators.
Integration of Local Culture: Each railway station will reflect local art, culture, and heritage .
- Example: Ayodhya Dham Railway Station built with a temple-like façade, depictions from the Ramayana, and mythological motifs.
Sustainability & Smart Infrastructure: Improved traffic flow, pedestrian pathways, parking facilities, and multi-modal transport hubs.
- Incorporation of eco-friendly construction practices.

Jammu Tawi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow Charbagh, Prayagraj Junction, Sabarmati, Surat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Muzaffarpur Junction, etc .
A total of 80 priority stations are being continuously monitored by the Railway Ministry.

EPC Model (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction):
- The contractor handles the entire project from design to execution .
- Used for most projects to avoid delays.
- Benefits of EPC Model:
  - Avoids cost overruns and project delays.
  - Ensures faster completion of projects.
PPP Model (Public-Private Partnership):
- Used in major commercial hubs like Pune, Delhi Junction, Vijayawada, and Chennai Central .
- Private sector involvement ensures faster completion and modern facilities.
- Benefits of PPP Model:
  - Involves private funding, reducing the financial burden on the government.
  - Encourages private companies to develop infrastructure and operate commercial facilities.

Economic Multiplier Effect:
- Boost to the local economy due to increased commercial activities around railway stations.
- Enhanced revenue through commercial outlets like malls, food courts, and lounges.
- Increase in tourism and local business growth.
Employment Generation:
- Direct and indirect employment generation in construction, operations, retail, and tourism sectors.
- Around 20,000 railway engineers trained across 68 railway divisions to execute the project.
Improved Passenger Experience:
- World-class facilities for passengers like lounges, escalators, AC waiting rooms, and multi-modal transport hubs.
- Clean and hygienic premises with modernized washrooms and better accessibility for disabled persons.

Budget Allocation:
- FY 2023-24: ₹8,000 crore spent.
- FY 2024-25: ₹12,993 crore allocated
No Shortage of Funds:
- The Railway Minister confirmed that funds are continuously being allocated based on project progress.
Customer Amenities Fund:
- The funds for the project have been categorized under "Customer Amenities" in the Railway Budget.

Previous Failures:
- Earlier station development projects failed due to poor planning and contractor inefficiency.
- Lack of integration between infrastructure and commercial development.
Current Strategy:
- The Railway Board conducted stakeholder workshops across 68 railway divisions.
- Around 20,000 railway engineers were trained for smooth project execution.
- Model tender documents were prepared to avoid project delays.

The project aims to promote local art and culture in station designs.
Example:
- Ayodhya Dham Railway Station:
  - Temple-like architecture, mythological motifs, and Ramayana murals.
- Gandhinagar Station:
  - Integration of Gujarati art and heritage.
This approach aligns with the Vocal for Local and Cultural Revival initiatives.