In a significant push to modernize India's rail infrastructure, thirteen key railway stations in the national capital are undergoing a comprehensive transformation into world-class transit hubs. The ambitious redevelopment is part of the central government's Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, as confirmed in Parliament on Tuesday.
Parliamentary Update on Station Redevelopment
The details of the upgrade were shared in a written reply by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to a query raised by BJP MP from South Delhi, R S Bidhuri, during a Lok Sabha session. The minister informed the house that a total of 1,337 railway stations across the country are being redeveloped under the flagship scheme. Out of these, a focused effort is underway for 13 stations in Delhi, aiming to drastically improve safety, accessibility, and the overall passenger experience.
The stations identified for this major facelift include:
- New Delhi
- Anand Vihar
- Bijwasan
- Delhi Cantt
- Adarsh Nagar
- Sarai Rohilla
- Shahdara
- Hazrat Nizamuddin
- Narela
- Sabzi Mandi
- Safdarjung
- Tilak Bridge
Substantial Progress at New Delhi Station
According to MP Bidhuri, substantial work has already been completed on the Ajmeri Gate side of the New Delhi Railway Station, which serves as a critical entry point for millions. The enhancements delivered so far are designed to manage crowds more effectively and provide a comfortable wait for travelers.
The key improvements already implemented include:
- An upgraded and expanded passenger waiting area.
- An increased number of ticket counters to reduce queues.
- Installation of advanced public address systems and electronic information boards for real-time updates.
- Extensive CCTV coverage to bolster security.
- Improved lighting and an uninterrupted power supply.
- RO water purifiers for clean drinking water.
- Separate, modern toilet facilities for men, women, and persons with disabilities.
- Enhanced seating arrangements.
Ongoing Work and Future Impact
The redevelopment drive is far from over. Bidhuri noted that work has also commenced on the Paharganj side of the New Delhi station. This phase involves significant construction activities, including the construction of a basement, demolition of old structures, and the strategic shifting of existing facilities to ensure minimal disruption during the upgrade process.
The overarching goal of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is to create "world-class facilities with modern and passenger-friendly utilities." By focusing on stations in a major metropolitan and transit hub like Delhi, the Indian Railways aims to set a new standard for commuter experience. The improvements are expected to not only ease daily travel for residents but also enhance the image of the capital city for the vast number of domestic and international tourists who arrive by train.
This large-scale initiative reflects the government's commitment to investing in public infrastructure and signifies a major step towards making Indian railway stations more efficient, secure, and hospitable for the future.
