151 Stations of Northern Railway to be Modernized Under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

In New Delhi, on October 19, 2024, the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, initiated the ‘Amrit Bharat Station’ scheme in August 2023, under which 151 stations of Northern Railway are undergoing redevelopment. These revamped stations will not only offer modern facilities for passengers but also maximize the use of railway assets as key urban landmarks. The plan includes seamless travel integration with other transportation systems through multi-modal connectivity, along with opportunities for economic activities such as shops, malls, office spaces, and food courts. Consequently, railway stations will become vital centers in the cities.

Currently, redevelopment work is ongoing at nine major stations of Northern Railway: Jammu Tawi, Jalandhar Cantt, Ludhiana, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Kashi, Ayodhya Dham (Phase II), Meerut City, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. The estimated cost for the redevelopment of these nine stations is ₹2,564 crore. The project encompasses renovation, expansion, and remodeling of station buildings. New foot overbridges (FOBs), lifts, escalators, and elevated platforms with shelters are being constructed for passenger convenience.

At Jammu Tawi station, work is progressing on eight major projects covering a total floor area of 38,336 square meters. This includes the construction of Buildings A and B on both sides of the station, two FOBs (for Katra and Pathankot), air concourses, external beautification, and small bridges for smooth traffic flow.

The stations in Ghaziabad and Faridabad, located in the National Capital Region, are undergoing extensive redevelopment to accommodate the increasing number of passengers. New station buildings are being constructed on the city side and Vijay Nagar side of Ghaziabad station, with two FOBs being built under the expertise of IIT Roorkee. In Faridabad, new station buildings are being erected on both the eastern and western sides, with foundation work for concourses and FOBs currently in progress.

The Kashi and Ayodhya Dham railway stations, which were previously small, are being developed as satellite stations in the pilgrimage cities of Varanasi and Ayodhya. Considering the rising number of national and international passengers in these cities, Indian Railways is making every effort to provide a comfortable and swift travel experience. The redevelopment aims to reduce congestion at main stations, ensuring smooth operations for both passenger and freight trains.

Shri Ashok Kumar Verma, General Manager of Northern Railway, stated, “As the primary mode of travel in India, the Indian Railways is being modernized in every aspect. From station modernization to the launch of effective trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat, electrification of routes, attention to the environment, and a commitment to cleanliness, the railway has embarked on a ‘development journey’ to enhance facilities and the travel experience.”