Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, inaugurated 103 upgraded railway stations across India through video conferencing from Bikaner. These stations have been redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) and are spread across 86 districts in 18 States and Union Territories. The total cost of the redevelopment is over ₹1,100 crore, according to the Ministry of Railways.
What Is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term plan by Indian Railways to modernize more than 1,300 railway stations across the country. Each station is upgraded step-by-step based on its specific needs.
The goal is to:
- Add modern facilities like clean waiting halls, toilets, escalators, lifts, and Wi-Fi
- Make stations eco-friendly and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities
- Connect both sides of cities through the station and improve links with buses and metros
- Promote local culture through design and features
- Support small businesses through the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, which allows local products to be sold at kiosks in stations
Some stations will also have business lounges, digital clocks, modern signboards, and noise-free tracks.
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Modern Railway Stations in Karnataka
Five stations in Karnataka—Munirabad, Bagalkot, Gadag, Gokak Road, and Dharwad—have received major upgrades.
- Gadag Station (₹23.24 crore): New building, big entrance hall, upgraded platforms, lifts, escalators, and Divyangjan-friendly features
- Dharwad Station (₹17.1 crore): New second entry, large foot overbridge, three lifts, two escalators, digital signs, and modern look
- Bagalkot Station (₹16.06 crore): New station building, separate waiting rooms, parking, escalators, better water supply and signage
- Munirabad Station (₹18.40 crore): New digital systems, better platforms, and facilities for disabled passengers; also key for tourists visiting Hampi
- Gokak Road Station (₹16.98 crore): New G+1 station building, foot overbridge, platform shelters, and a wide circulating area
States Where Amrit Stations Were Inaugurated on May 22
Maharashtra:
Stations like Matunga, Parel, Wadala Road, Devlali, and others
Uttar Pradesh:
Includes Bareilly City, Saharanpur Junction, Idgah Agra Junction, and more
Tamil Nadu:
Stations like Chidambaram, Srirangam, Tiruvannamalai, etc.
Gujarat:
Stations such as Okha, Morbi, Mithapur, and Palitana
Madhya Pradesh:
Including Seoni, Shajapur, Shri Dham, and Orchha
These redeveloped stations are cleaner, more attractive, and easier for passengers to use. The initiative aims to turn railway stations into modern travel hubs and city gateways, improving overall travel experience for everyone.
