Why in NEWS
The Prime Minister has inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 States/UTs under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), marking a major milestone in India’s push for modern, inclusive, and regionally inspired rail infrastructure.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Amrit Bharat Station Scheme | A government initiative to modernize 1,309 railway stations across India. |
| Accessible India Campaign | Also known as Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan; aims to make infrastructure disabled-friendly. |
News Details
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) was launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways to transform over 1,300 stations into modern multimodal transport hubs.
It combines modern facilities, regional architectural identity, passenger convenience, and urban connectivity, ensuring inclusive design and eco-friendly development.
In the latest update, 103 stations have been redeveloped with cultural themes and integrated urban mobility elements.
Key Features of ABSS
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cultural Design Integration | Each station is uniquely themed to reflect regional architecture. Eg: Dwarka (temple theme), Kumbakonam (Chola). |
| Passenger Amenities | Modern halls, toilets, Wi-Fi, lifts, escalators, executive lounges, business hubs, clear signage. |
| Inclusive Accessibility | Ramps, Braille boards, tactile paths, disabled-friendly toilets, lifts in subways aligned with Sugamya Bharat. |
| Urban Development Vision | Stations as urban hubs, connected with metro/bus, eco-infra, noise control, and two-side city access. |
| Phased, Custom Approach | Each redevelopment is phased and customized based on regional requirements. |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: “RAILS-UP”
| Mnemonic | Stands For |
|---|---|
| R | Redeveloped Stations (1309 planned, 103 launched) |
| A | Accessibility (Sugamya Bharat features) |
| I | Integration of regional architecture |
| L | Luxuries like Wi-Fi, lounges, lifts |
| S | Seamless Urban Integration with metros, buses |
| U | User-Friendly designs (Braille, tactile, ramps) |
| P | Phased Customization for cultural identity and functionality |
Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):
- It aims to redevelop over 1,300 railway stations in India.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Urban Affairs.
- It includes integrating regional architecture in the redesign of railway stations.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q2. With reference to recent developments in Indian Railways, consider the following:
- Stations under ABSS are being redeveloped as multimodal transport hubs.
- The scheme aims to provide only essential infrastructure like platforms and sheds.
- Accessibility features like ramps and tactile paths are excluded.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Q3. Which of the following is true regarding accessibility provisions under ABSS?
- The scheme follows the guidelines of the Accessible India Campaign.
- It includes Braille signage, accessible toilets, and tactile flooring.
- It is applicable only to stations with more than 1 lakh daily footfall.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the objectives and features of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. How does it reflect a shift towards inclusive and integrated urban transport planning in India? (GS2/GS1 – Urban Development)
- How can redevelopment of railway stations under ABSS contribute to regional identity and economic growth? Illustrate with examples. (GS1 – Indian Culture & Geography)
Prelims Answer Key & Explanations
| Q No. | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | B. 1 and 3 only | Statement 2 is wrong (it’s by Ministry of Railways, not Urban Affairs). Others are correct. |
| Q2 | A. 1 only | Statement 2 is incorrect (scheme is comprehensive). Statement 3 is incorrect (accessibility is central). |
| Q3 | A. 1 and 2 only | Statement 3 is incorrect (applies to all ABSS stations, not just high footfall ones). |
