103 railway stations get airport-like makeover: All about Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 103 redeveloped Amrit stations across India on Thursday via video conferencing from Bikaner.

The redeveloped stations are spread across 86 districts in 18 States and Union Territories and have been built at a cumulative cost of over Rs 1,100 crore, according to a release by the ministry of railways.

Among them are five railway stations in Karnataka — Munirabad, Bagalkot, Gadag, Gokak Road, and Dharwad — which have undergone major upgrades under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).

These stations now feature upgraded passenger amenities, accessibility for Divyangjan, modern infrastructure and improved aesthetics — blending contemporary design with local cultural elements.

What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term project by the Indian Railways aimed at transforming more than 1,300 railway stations across the country.

It follows a phased redevelopment model, tailoring upgrades to each station's specific requirements.

The scheme focuses on integrating modern facilities, sustainable design, regional architectural features, and passenger-centric services — making stations not only transit points but also gateways to cities.

“The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term plan to improve railway stations across India in a step-by-step manner. Under this scheme, detailed plans are made for each station and the work is done in phases, based on what each station needs,” a government release said.

It will also focus on upgrading station buildings, connecting both sides of the city through the station, and integrating with other transport modes like buses and metros. Special emphasis is placed on accessibility for persons with disabilities, eco-friendly solutions and noise-free tracks.

Modern-day facilities

The goal of the scheme is to make stations across India cleaner, more comfortable and easier to use.

It will include improving entry and exit points, waiting halls, toilets, platforms and roofing.

Moreover, facilities like lifts, escalators and free Wi-Fi will be added wherever needed.

"Some stations will have executive lounges and special areas for business meetings. Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, and efforts will be made to make stations look greener and more attractive," the government said.

‘One Station One Product’ aims to encourage indigenous and specialised products and crafts of India through providing display and sale outlets on railway stations across the country.

Gandhinagar in Gujarat was one of the stations in India to undergo a makeover under the scheme in 2021. The station now boasts of modern facilities and a five star hotel.

Five railway stations in Karnataka get a new look

In Karnataka, for instance, five railway stations have been redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with significant infrastructure and passenger-focused upgrades.

Gadag Railway Station, revamped at a cost of Rs 23.24 crore, now features a modern building, spacious entrance hall, upgraded platforms with shelters, Divyangjan-friendly amenities, a 12-meter-wide foot overbridge, and operational lifts and escalators. Similarly, Dharwad Railway Station, developed with an investment of Rs 17.1 crore, includes a new second entry, a wide foot overbridge, three lifts, two escalators, and enhanced facilities like modern signage, digital clocks, and accessible features.

Bagalkot Railway Station, upgraded at a cost of Rs 16.06 crore, offers a new station building, separate waiting rooms, dedicated parking, escalators, modern platform shelters, and improved signage and water systems. Munirabad Railway Station, transformed at a cost of Rs 18.40 crore, includes wide platform shelters, new infrastructure, digital information systems, and Divyangjan-friendly upgrades; it also serves as the closest railhead to Hampi, boosting tourism.

Gokak Road Railway Station, redeveloped for Rs 16.98 crore, now features a new G+1 building, a spacious circulating area, a new foot overbridge, platform shelters, and enhanced amenities, supporting regional trade and connectivity in Belagavi district.

Amrit Stations being inaugurated on May 22

Maharashtra:

Amgaon
Chanda Fort
Chinchpokli
Devlali
Dhule
Kedgaon
Lasalgaon
Lonand Junction
Matunga
Murtizapur Junction
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari Junction
Parel
Savda
Shahad
Wadala Road

Uttar Pradesh:

Balrampur
Bareilly City
Bijnor
Fatehabad
Gola Gokarannath
Goverdhan
Govindpuri
Hathras City
Idgah Agra Junction
Izzatnagar
Karchana
Mailani Junction
Pokhrayan
Ramghat Halt
Saharanpur Junction
Siddharthnagar
Suraimanpur
Swaminarayan Chhapia
Ujhani

Tamil Nadu:

Chidambaram
Kulitturai
Mannargudi
Polur
Samalpatti
Srirangam
St Thomas Mount
Tiruvannamalai
Vriddhachalam Junction

Gujarat:

Dakor
Derol
Hapa
Jamwanthali
Jamjodhpur
Kanalus Junction
Karamsad
Kosamba Junction
Limbdi
Mahuva
Mithapur
Morbi
Okha
Palitana
Rajula Junction
Samakhiyali
Sihor Junction
Utran

Madhya Pradesh:

Katni South
Narmadapuram
Orchha
Seoni
Shajapur
Shri Dham