Indian Railways announced investment of Rs 1,626 crore to upgrade 57 railway stations across the state. This is a significant development for Jharkhand’s rail infrastructure. The initiative is part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme designed to enhance passenger amenities and improve the overall experience at these stations. It was the winter session of Parliament that saw the announcement by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw while responding to a query raised by Hazaribagh MP Manish Jaiswal.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Overview
The Amrit Bharat Station scheme is one that targets over 1,300 railway stations in India, and there are 57 of these railway stations in the state of Jharkhand. The emphasis is to ensure that the infrastructure is world class, as well as to ensure passenger comfort. This is a rather ambitious scheme that cuts across railway zones like South Eastern Railways (SER), Eastern Railways (ER), and East Central Railways (ECR). In Jharkhand, there would be significant facelift at most stations with multiple amenities and facilities.
Major Improvements in the Plan
The Rs 1,626 crore investment will be bringing in several major improvements into these 57 stations and will make traveling much comfortable and convenient for the passengers. The main improvements are:
- Better Station Access
Improved station access areas will develop so that entry and exit will smoothen up, and the congestion will reduce. - Better Circulating Areas and Waiting Halls
More spacious circulating areas and waiting halls will be constructed to ensure that passengers have a comfortable space to relax while waiting for their trains.
- Modernized Toilets
Clean and modern toilet facilities will be provided to enhance hygiene and convenience for passengers.
- Lifts and Escalators
Where necessary, lifts and escalators will be installed to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, elderly passengers, and those carrying heavy luggage.
- Platform Improvements
The platform surfacing will be upgraded, and platforms will be covered to shield passengers from extreme weather conditions.
- Wi-Fi and Local Product Kiosks
Free Wi-Fi facilities will be available, so passengers can stay connected. Local products will also be available at kiosks under initiatives like ‘One Station One Product.’ - Passenger Information Systems
State-of-the-art passenger information systems will be provided to ensure that the traveler gets real-time updates about his train. - Executive Lounges and Business Meeting Spaces
Executive lounges shall be available for passengers to wait in greater comfort while business meeting halls shall be also made available where business travelers shall attend their business.
- Landscaping and Aesthetic Improvement
Landscaping programmes shall be initiated at each station for them to look attractive.
High Priority Stations Under the Programme
The Amrit Bharat Station scheme modernizes several important railway stations of Jharkhand. The important stations being transformed under this scheme are:
Ranchi
Tatanagar
Bokaro Steel City
Namkum
Pakur
Hazaribagh Road
Ramgarh Cantonment
Godda
Giridih
Dhanbad
Dumka
Garhwa Road
Hatia
Jasidih
Jamtara
These stations are important junctions in the rail network of Jharkhand and will undergo major changes under the scheme.
National Level Impact of the Scheme
While it is one of the most important beneficiary states, the Amrit Bharat Station is a programme to modernize almost all 1,337 stations of the country. The upgrading of these stations will provide easier travel for millions of passengers and will allow the authorities to improve facilities at such stations.
Conclusion
Rs 1,626 crore has been invested into the rehabilitation of 57 railway stations in Jharkhand. Under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, passengers can expect more modern facilities besides the better experience and facilities as a whole. This would not only strengthen the connectivity of the state of Jharkhand but also prove that Indian Railways is committed to the betterment of the standards for rail travels in the country.
It will make the railway stations of Jharkhand more accessible, efficient, and friendly for passengers as these upgradations are implemented.
Refer :
TOI, Link to article
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