The Ministry of Railways announced on Tuesday that it has formulated a new “Amrit Bharat Station” scheme for the development of railway stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision.

The scheme aims at preparation of Master Plans of the railway stations and implementation of the Master Plan in phases to enhance the facilities, the official statement said.

Attempts will be made to club different grades of waiting halls and provide good cafeteria and retail facilities as far as possible. It aims to create Roof Plazas and city centres at the station in the long run.

High level platforms (760-840 mm) will be provided at all categories of stations. Length of the platforms shall generally be 600m.

Sufficient number of toilets and escalators will be provided at all stations.

Station approaches will be improved to ensure smooth access by widening of roads, removal of unwanted structures, properly designed signages, dedicated pedestrian pathways, well planned parking areas and  improved lighting.

Broad objectives:

• The scheme will cater for introduction of new amenities as well as upgradation and replacement of existing amenities.
• This scheme will also cover the stations where detailed techno-economic feasibility studies have been conducted or are being conducted but the work for construction of Roof Plazas has not been taken up yet.
• The scheme envisages cost efficient improvement to facades, provision of wide, well-lit aesthetically pleasing entrance porches.
• Existing building usage shall be reviewed and space should be released in favour of passengers near the station entrances and the Railway offices should be suitably relocated.
• The scheme aims to relocate redundant/old buildings in a cost efficient manner so that space is released for higher priority passenger related activities and future development may be carried out smoothly.
• Provision for minimum two stalls for One Station One Product shall be made.
• Space shall also be created for Executive Lounges and places for small business meetings.
• At least one aesthetically designed hoarding(signage) on each side of the circulating area at a prominent location shall be erected for display of important information etc. The size of such hoarding shall not be less than 10mx20m.
• Elements of landscaping, green patches and local art and culture should be used to create a pleasant experience for the station users.
• Ballastless tracks would be provided on platform lines and lines with train maintenance facilities.
• Drainage of platform areas is of utmost importance. Special emphasis shall be given to achieve self cleansing of drains as far as possible.
• Cables should be covered in aesthetically designed duct and should have provision for future cables as well.
• The Master Plan shall mark the space for Parcel handling spurs, storage and handling facilities etc. Works should also be proposed and executed in suitable phases.
• Provisions may be made such that as far as possible the station provides free WiFi access to its users. The Master Plan should have suitable spaces earmarked for 5G towers.
• The furniture available on Waiting halls, Platforms, Retiring Rooms, Offices shall be reviewed and intervention planned for more comfortable and durable furniture suitable to the Railway Stations of that area. In a phased manner, it shall be planned to eliminate multi-design furniture.
• Escalators may be provided at NSG/1-4 and SG/1-2 category stations irrespective of footfall.
• Amenities for Divyangjan at stations shall be as per guidelines issued by Railway Board from time to time.
• Sufficient number of toilets shall be provided at all categories of stations with separate provisions for women and Divyangjan. Location of toilets should be appropriate to station usage, easily visible and accessible.