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Mumbai: Mumbai to witness a sea change in passenger experience says, Naresh Lalwani, General Manager Central Railway. He was addressing a press conference organized by the Central Railway on Friday Introducing the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a visionary initiative brought to life by Shri Narendra Modi, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. This transformative scheme is set to revitalize 1309 railway stations across the nation, breathing new life into travel hubs and enhancing the overall passenger experience. Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages the development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision.
As per the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Enhancing Passenger Experience and Infrastructure at 76 Railway Stations over Central Railway and 15 Railway Stations in Mumbai.
Shri Naresh Lalwani, General Manager, while addressing a Press Conference on laying of the foundation stone for 508 Railway stations across the Nation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 6th August 2023 said “The Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages to take up 76 railway stations over Central Railway for upgradation/modernization and in that at 38 stations the foundation stone will be laid”. It involves the preparation of Master Plans and their implementation in phases to improve the amenities at the stations like improvement of station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts/escalators as necessary, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products through schemes like ‘One Station One Product’, better passenger information systems, Executive Lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping etc. keeping in view the necessity at each station. The scheme also envisages improvement of the building, integration of the station with both sides of the city, multimodal integration, amenities for Divyangjans, sustainable and environment-friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks, ‘Roof Plazas as per necessity, phasing and feasibility and creation of city centres at the station in the long term.
Shri Naresh Lalwani, General Manager, Central Railway and Dr Shivraj Manaspure, Chief Public Relations Officer addressing the media.
A Glance at the Redevelopment of Railway Stations over Central Railway:
76 stations of the Central Railway will be upgraded/redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Stations identified are
MUMBAI division – Byculla, Chinchpokli, Parel, Matunga, Kurla, Vidyavihar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Mumbra, Diva, Shahad, Titwala, Igatpuri, Wadala Road, Sandhurst Road
PUNE division -Kolhapur, Hadapsar, Chinchwad, Satara, Sangli, Karad, Talegaon, Hathkanangle, Akurdi, Baramati, Dehuroad, Kedgaon, Uruli, Lonand, Wathar, Phalton
NAGPUR division – Balharshah, Betul, Chandrapur, Sewagram, Pulgaon, Dhamangaon, Amla, Narkher, Katol, Pandhurna, Junnardeo, Hinganghat, Multai, Ghoradongri, Godhani
BHUSAWAL division – Badnera, Malkapur, Murtizapur, Nepanagar, Shegaon, Devlali, Manmad, Nandura, Nandgaon, Chalisgaon, Pachora, Dhule, Lasalgaon, Raver, Savda
SOLAPUR division – Solapur, Kalburgi, Daund, Pandharpur, Wadi, Kurduwadi, Ahmednagar, Kopargaon, Latur, Shahabad, Belapur, Gangapur road, Dudhani, Osmanabad, Jeur.
Mumbai always has a special place in railway journeys in India, All 15 stations identified to be upgraded and redeveloped in Mumbai over Central Railway are suburban stations. Easing commutation, and providing a better passenger experience is Railway’s endeavour through Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Features are as below:
Elevating the Travel Experience:
Elegant Station Building: A new station building will redefine Station’s architectural landscape, reflecting a modern and inviting design.
Swachh Bharat Focus: Keeping in step with the Swachh Bharat mission, the station will introduce a modular Sewage Treatment Plant, ensuring efficient sewage treatment and a cleaner environment.
Aesthetic Platforms: Platforms will undergo a resurfacing and aesthetic uplift, with the introduction of captivating landscaping on platform walls.
Passenger Amenities: Travelers will enjoy improved amenities, including better seating, drinking water facilities, and enhanced lighting and ventilation on platforms and within the station building.
Enhanced Connectivity: A revamped foot-over bridge, supplemented by additional lift and escalator facilities, will ease passenger movement and accessibility.
Guidance and Information: Modernized train indication boards and passenger-friendly signages will facilitate seamless navigation within the station premises.
Functional Upgrades: The existing booking office and other administrative buildings will undergo a thorough renovation, aligning them with the scheme’s overarching vision.
Inclusivity: All improvements will be designed to be divyangjan (specially-abled) friendly, ensuring equal access and convenience for all.
Central Railway’s Mumbai Suburban Stations’ journey towards rejuvenation through the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme embodies a commitment to progress, convenience, and a brighter future for passengers. As the scheme unfolds, the station undergoing a transformation under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme will reflect the harmonious blending of infrastructure and connectivity with the aspirations of a thriving Mumbai city.
