NEW DELHI:Â The Ministry of Railways has intensified work on its flagship Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, an expansive long-term programme focused on modernising and redeveloping railway stations nationwide. The initiative is designed to reshape stations into future-ready, passenger-oriented hubs, with development carried out in phases based on comprehensive master plans.
As per the latest figures, a total of 1,337 stations have been selected for redevelopment under the scheme, and work has already been completed at 155 of these locations.
The redevelopment framework features an extensive array of improvements intended to upgrade stations into contemporary, commuter-friendly spaces. Planned enhancements include better access roads and circulating zones, seamless integration of stations with both sides of the city, and modernised station structures. Passenger facilities—such as waiting rooms, toilets, seating areas and drinking water booths—are set to be upgraded, along with the construction of broader foot-over-bridges and new air concourses. The scheme also calls for the installation of lifts, escalators and ramps, improved platform surfaces, and expanded platform shelters. Local products will be promoted through dedicated kiosks under the One Station One Product initiative, while parking zones and multimodal connectivity will also be strengthened. Other planned upgrades include Divyangjan-friendly amenities, more advanced passenger information systems, executive lounges, designated spaces for business meetings and enhanced landscaping. The overall blueprint further prioritises sustainable, environmentally conscious solutions such as ballastless tracks and long-term development of city-centre facilities surrounding stations.
Funding for station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat scheme primarily comes from Plan Head–53 (Customer Amenities). For the financial year 2025–26, the Railways has earmarked ₹12,118 crore, with an expenditure of ₹7,253 crore recorded up to October 2025. Authorities clarified that financial allocations and spending are maintained at the Zonal Railway level, rather than being broken down station-wise or state-wise.
Although the initiative is largely supported by budgetary funding, the Railways is simultaneously exploring Public Private Partnership (PPP) models. Fifteen stations have been identified for possible redevelopment through the PPP route, and the ministry expects to refine and expand this approach after evaluating the outcomes of these initial projects.
Stations included in the scheme are selected based on proposals submitted by Zonal Railways, with preference given to stations located in major cities and those of tourism or pilgrimage prominence. The ministry has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to safeguarding heritage structures and artifacts during redevelopment, incorporating site-specific strategies to ensure preservation.
Railway officials have noted that station redevelopment is inherently complex, particularly in operational, brownfield environments. These projects require numerous statutory clearances, including those pertaining to fire safety, heritage conservation, tree cutting and restrictions linked to airport proximity. Progress is also influenced by the need to shift existing utilities such as sewage pipelines, water lines, optical fibre networks, gas pipelines and power or signalling cables. In addition, construction work conducted close to active railway tracks necessitates speed restrictions, safety protocols and the maintenance of uninterrupted passenger flow. Due to these multifaceted challenges, the Ministry of Railways has stated that it is not currently possible to specify a definitive project completion timeline.
Describing technological and infrastructural improvements as a continuous endeavour, the ministry said Indian Railways remains committed to expanding the adoption of technology and fostering economic and employment opportunities across the country. With the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme advancing steadily, the Railways considers the initiative a pivotal step in creating modern, inclusive and passenger-focused railway stations throughout India.
