The Central Government has taken a decisive step towards the comprehensive development of 50 railway stations across Assam through the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in response to queries raised by Assam’s Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa on December 15.
The ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,’ spearheaded by the Ministry of Railways, has earmarked these 50 stations for a phased overhaul, with the goal of fostering sustained progress. Minister Vaishnaw conveyed that the scheme, designed for the continuous enhancement of Indian Railways stations, has identified 1309 stations nationwide for development, including the chosen 50 in Assam.
Assam’s 50 Stations to be Transformed Under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The 50 stations slated for transformation in Assam are.
- Amguri
- Arunachal
- Chaparmukh
- Dhemaji
- Dhubri
- Dibrugarh
- Diphu
- Duliajan
- Fakiragram Jn.
- Gauripur
- Gohpur
- Golaghat
- Gosaigaon Hat
- Guwahati
- Haibargaon
- Harmuti
- Hojai
- Jagiroad
- Jorhat town
- Kamakhya Jn.
- Kokrajhar
- Lanka
- Ledo
- Lumding Jn.
- Majbat
- Makum Jn.
- Margherita
- Mariani Jn.
- Murkongselek
- Naharkatiya
- Nalbari
- Namrup
- Narangi
- New Bongaigaon Jn.
- New Haflong
- New Karimganj Jn.
- New Tinsukia Jn.
- North Lakhimpur
- Pathshala
- Rangapara North Jn.
- Rangiya Jn.
- Sarupathar
- Sibsagar town
- Silapathar
- Silchar
- Simaluguri
- Tangla
- Tinsukia
- Udalguri
- Viswanath Chariali
Brief of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is set to revitalize these stations by implementing master plans in phases. The transformation aims to enhance various amenities, including station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts, and escalators, ensuring cleanliness, providing free Wi-Fi, and incorporating kiosks for local products through initiatives like ‘One Station, One Product.’
Moreover, the scheme envisions the introduction of advanced passenger information systems, executive lounges, designated spaces for business meetings, landscaping, and more, tailored to the specific needs of each station.
Crucially, the scheme emphasizes the improvement of station buildings, integration with both sides of the city, multimodal connectivity, facilities for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities), and the implementation of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. This includes the provision of ballast-less tracks and ‘roof plazas’ as deemed necessary, in addition to the long-term goal of creating city centers at these stations.
In essence, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme not only focuses on immediate upgrades but also sets a trajectory for the holistic development of these railway stations, ensuring they become vibrant hubs that cater to the diverse needs of passengers and the local community alike. The phased approach, encompassing a wide range of improvements, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the overall rail travel experience in Assam.