Passengers traveling by train in Rajasthan are set to experience significant enhancements at 86 railway stations across the state under the Amrit Bharat scheme. This extensive redevelopment plan aims to modernize and improve passenger amenities at key stations served by West Central Railways and North Western Railways over the next two years.
The upgrade project will cover major railway hubs including Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Sriganganagar, Kota, and Sawai Madhopur, as well as numerous smaller stations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the overall passenger experience by incorporating a range of improvements.
Captain Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railways (NWR), outlined the scope of the redevelopment, stating that it will involve extensive modernizations such as improved waiting rooms, facilities for disabled passengers, enhanced seating arrangements, expanded parking areas, and the installation of new lifts and elevators. Additionally, the project will include road widening, the removal of obsolete structures, and the addition of features like roof plazas, landscaped areas, children’s play zones, kiosks, and food courts.
Renovation work is already underway at many of the designated stations, with an ambitious goal to complete the upgrades by the end of the financial year. For instance, the Udaipur railway station is slated for completion by December 2025, with design elements reflecting the region’s local culture and traditions.
The Amrit Bharat scheme’s upgrade plan spans various divisions across the state:
- Ajmer Division: Sikar, Alwar, Bandikui, Ringas, Dausa, Jobner, and Jhunjhunu.
- Ajmer Division: Beawar, Marwar Junction, Somesar, Bhilwara, Pindwara, Dungarpur, and Falna.
- Bikaner Division: Lalgarh, Suratgarh, Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, Sirsa, Hisar, Bhiwani, Churu, and Sadulpur.
- Jodhpur Division: Nagaur, Nokha, Barmer, Merta Road, Diwana, and Phalodi.
- Kota Division: Baran, Chhabra Gugor, Bharatpur, Bayana, Bhawani Mandi, Hindaun City, Shri Mahavirji, Kota Dakniya Talab, Ramganj Mandi Junction, Sawai Madhopur Junction, and Gangapur City.
The ambitious upgrades are expected to significantly enhance passenger satisfaction and contribute to the modernization of Rajasthan’s railway infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to improving travel experiences across the state.