Assam’s railway stations are poised for a contemporary transformation as part of the Indian Railways’ ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Under this initiative, a total of 50 railway stations in Assam are slated for redevelopment. Some notable stations earmarked for modernization include Hojai, Gohpur, Jagiroad, Lumding Jn, Vishwanath Chariali, North Lakhimpur, and Silapathar. Prime Minister’s recent foundation stone laying ceremony for the redevelopment of 553 railway stations nationwide, including those in Assam, further bolstered the Centre’s commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure. Already, work is underway on the redevelopment of 508 stations since the PM’s initial groundbreaking ceremony last August.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme reflects Indian Railways’ concerted effort to upgrade its infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the travel experience for passengers. The scheme encompasses the construction of modern passenger amenities such as aesthetically designed façades, refurbished platforms, scenic landscaping, roof plazas, kiosks, food courts, and children’s play areas. Efforts also include improving access with widened roads, removal of unwanted structures, well-designed signage, dedicated pedestrian pathways, enhanced parking facilities, and improved lighting arrangements. A notable aspect of the scheme is the incorporation of local culture, heritage, and architecture into the design of redeveloped station buildings. In Assam, for instance, the design of Sibasagar Town Station draws inspiration from the iconic Rang Ghar.
The genesis of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme dates back to 2021 with the modernization of Gandhinagar Railway Station, followed by the transformation of Rani Kamalapati Railway Station (formerly Habibganj) later that year. In 2022, the Union Cabinet approved the redevelopment of three major railway stations: New Delhi Railway Station, Ahmedabad Railway Station, and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Often referred to as the “Lifeline of India,” Indian Railways operates 13,000 trains daily, serving 7,325 stations nationwide. The Railways has witnessed a significant surge in capital expenditure in recent years, with Rs 2.52 lakh crores allocated for capital expenditure in the Financial Year 2024-25.
