The Ministry of Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) to upgrade railway infrastructure and enhance passenger experience. The scheme aims to revamp stations with improved amenities like better access, waiting halls, and cleanliness. It also includes features such as free Wi-Fi, lifts, escalators, and modern passenger information systems.
Under ABSS, the focus is on transforming stations by adding Executive Lounges, business meeting spaces, and enhancing station façades. The scheme also supports local entrepreneurship through initiatives like ‘One Station One Product’ kiosks, creating economic opportunities for local communities. In the Northeast Frontier Railway zone, 92 stations have been identified for redevelopment, with 60 stations in the Northeast being taken up under the scheme.
The Haibargaon railway station in Assam became the first completed Amrit Bharat station, setting new standards in passenger amenities and design. The redevelopment blends modern facilities with Assamese culture, aiming to create vibrant city centers with world-class amenities. The scheme’s progress is evident across various divisions in Assam, with stations like Fakiragram, Kokrajhar, and Majbat showing significant physical progress.
In Meghalaya, Mendipathar station has made notable progress under the scheme. The modernized stations are expected to boost employment, business opportunities, and socio-economic activities. By combining connectivity, amenities, and regional identity preservation, the scheme underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development in Assam and the Northeast.
