Amrit Bharat Station Scheme driving transformation of 13 railway stations in Delhi

The Ministry of Railways is undertaking a major overhaul of railway infrastructure in Delhi under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with 13 stations in the national capital identified for redevelopment as part of a nationwide initiative.

The scheme, which aims to modernise railway stations with a long-term vision, has so far identified 1,338 stations across India for phased development, including key stations in Delhi such as New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, Delhi Cantt, Safdarjung, Bijwasan, Narela, Sabzi Mandi, Tilak Bridge, Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Adarsh Nagar, Shahdara, among others.

Significant Progress Across Key Stations

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that redevelopment works are progressing at various stages across these stations.

At New Delhi Railway Station, key preparatory works such as the development of a holding area on the Ajmeri Gate side and relocation of offices on the Paharganj side have been completed. Construction of a double basement and elevated road is currently underway.

At Safdarjung Railway Station, major structural works, including the station building and signal and telecom facilities, have been completed, with finishing works and air concourse development in progress.

Similarly, Bijwasan Railway Station has seen completion of structural works for the station building and air concourse, while finishing works and platform upgrades are ongoing.

At Delhi Cantonment Railway Station, structural work for parts of the station building and residential quarters has been completed, with further construction, including elevated roads and concourse areas, currently in progress.

Other stations such as Narela Railway Station, Subzi Mandi Railway Station, and Tilak Bridge Railway Station are witnessing upgrades including new station buildings, improved platforms, modern toilets, parking facilities, lifts, and enhanced passenger amenities.

Focus on Passenger Comfort and Modern Infrastructure

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme focuses on comprehensive station redevelopment through detailed master planning. Key features include:

* Improved station access and circulating areas

* Integration of stations with both sides of the city

* Enhanced waiting halls, toilets, seating, and water facilities

* Wider foot overbridges and air concourses

* Installation of lifts, escalators, and ramps

* Better platform surfaces and shelters

* Dedicated spaces for local products under ‘One Station One Product’

* Parking and multimodal transport integration

* Facilities for divyangjan (persons with disabilities)

* Advanced passenger information systems

* Provision of executive lounges and commercial spaces

The scheme also emphasises sustainable and environment-friendly solutions, including modern track systems and long-term development of stations as city centres.

Challenges and Long-Term Implementation

The ministry noted that station redevelopment is a complex, ongoing process, involving safety considerations and multiple statutory clearances such as fire safety, heritage approvals, and environmental permissions.

Challenges such as relocation of utilities, uninterrupted train operations, and infrastructure constraints at existing (brownfield) sites can impact timelines. As a result, no fixed completion deadline has been set, and development is being carried out in phases based on priority and resource availability.

Additionally, works to improve accessibility, including facilities for divyangjan, have recently been sanctioned at Tughlakabad Railway Station.