PM Modi Launches Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Foundation Laid for 554 Stations

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PM Modi inaugurated the foundation for 554 Amrit Bharat stations, a government initiative aimed at revitalizing crucial railway stations nationwide, alongside unveiling rail overbridges and underbridges.

What is Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• Overview:
  • The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways, is set to revitalize 1309 stations across India.
  • The scheme aims to modernize passenger amenities and improve traffic circulation, intermodal integration, and signage for passenger guidance.
• Station Redevelopment:
  • Each station’s design will reflect local culture, heritage, and architecture, such as the Jaipur Railway Station, inspired by the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort.
  • The redevelopment adopts an integrated urban development approach, treating stations as city centers to enhance connectivity and urban planning.
• Benefits for Passengers:
  • Modern Amenities:
    • Upgraded waiting rooms, improved platform seating, and free Wi-Fi connectivity will enhance the passenger experience.
  • Community Involvement:
    • Local input ensures stations represent the essence of the region, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
  • Environmental Sustainability:
    • LED lighting in 70,000 coaches and increased bio-toilets aim to reduce emissions and promote green energy usage.
  • Net Zero Emissions Goal:
    • India’s railways aim for net-zero emissions by 2030, with green building standards and energy-efficient practices integral to achieving this vision.

Key Highlights of Indian Railways:

• Rich Heritage:
  • With a legacy dating back 169 years, Indian Railways commenced its journey on April 16, 1853, with the maiden voyage covering a 34-kilometer route between Mumbai’s Bori Bandar and Thane.
• Distinct Mascot:
  • Indian Railways boasts a unique mascot named ‘Bholu,’ a cheerful elephant garbed as a railway guard, conceptualized by the National Institute of Design in 2002, marking the railways’ 150th anniversary.
• Impressive Network:
  • Ranking as the world’s fourth-largest railway network, Indian Railways spans an extensive track length of 67,368 kilometers.
  • It is also the world’s second-largest network managed under a single administration, covering a sprawling 115,000 kilometers.
• UNESCO Recognitions:
  • Proud owner of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka Shimla Railway, Indian Railways celebrates its rich cultural and historical significance.
• Record-breaking Infrastructure:
  • Hubli Junction’s Platform 1, also known as Shree Siddharoodha Swamiji Hubballi Junction, holds the distinction of being the world’s longest railway platform, stretching 1,505 meters.
• Extraordinary Journeys:
  • From the epic Vivek Express journey covering 4,189 kilometers from Kanyakumari to Dibrugarh with 56 stops in 82 hours and 30 minutes, to the shortest ride spanning just 3 kilometers between Nagpur and Ajni, Indian Railways offers diverse travel experiences.
• Engineering Marvels:
  • India proudly hosts the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, located in Dharot, Jammu, and Kashmir, exemplifying the nation’s prowess in infrastructure development.
• Nagpur’s Landmark:
  • Nagpur, Maharashtra, is renowned for its Diamond Crossing, where two railway tracks intersect to form a distinctive diamond-shaped pattern, symbolizing the intricate network and connectivity facilitated by Indian Railways.

Video Credit: Narendra Modi YouTube Channel

People also ask

Q1 :  What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme launched by PM Modi?
Ans: The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a government initiative aimed at redeveloping and revitalizing key railway stations across India to provide modern passenger amenities and enhance overall infrastructure.

Q2: When was the foundation laid for the 554 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
Ans: PM Modi laid the foundation for the 554 stations as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure.

Q3: What is the objective of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
Ans: The primary objective of the scheme is to transform railway stations into modern, well-equipped facilities that offer enhanced passenger amenities, seamless traffic circulation, intermodal integration, and clear signage for passenger guidance.