Northern Railway To Revamp 104 Stations As Part Of Nationwide Redevelopment Push — Details Inside

Northern Railway is making progress under the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Railway’ initiative, which aims to upgrade both movable assets and fixed infrastructure to provide passengers with a modern and comfortable travel experience.

One of the key drivers of this transformation is the Amrit Bharat Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is fast-tracking the redevelopment of railway stations across the country.

The project is moving swiftly, with master plans for 104 stations already approved. In the first phase, 16 stations are set for significant upgrades, and feasibility studies for an additional 21 stations are currently underway.

The budget allocation for these redevelopment efforts in the 2024-25 fiscal year is Rs. 1,538 crore, signaling a major investment in the modernization of railway infrastructure.

Stations across Northern Railway’s five divisions—Delhi, Ambala, Firozpur, Moradabad, and Lucknow—are included in the redevelopment plan. These divisions cover six states and two Union Territories, with major cities such as Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Ambala slated for upgrades.

In addition to improving connectivity in key urban centers, the redevelopment also extends to stations near popular tourist and pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Anandpur Sahib, Kalka, and Shimla.

Furthermore, important towns in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, including Rohtak, Sonipat, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur, are part of the initiative, ensuring better connectivity and enhanced facilities for passengers in these regions.

Focus on Passenger Comfort and Accessibility

The Amrit Bharat Scheme emphasises creating a clean, comfortable, and modern travel environment. The redeveloped stations will feature new entry gates, foot overbridges (FOBs), lifts, and escalators for easier access to platforms. Special provisions will be made for the convenience of Divyangjan (differently-abled passengers), ensuring inclusivity in station design.

According to A.K. Verma, General Manager of Northern Railway, the revamped stations will not only focus on functionality but will also reflect the culture and ethos of each location, reports Financial Express.

The integration of multimodal transport facilities and commercial hubs like food courts, shopping complexes, and offices will transform these stations into iconic centers within the cities they serve.