PM launches revamp of 508 Amrit Bharat stations

• Recently, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across the country.
• The chosen 508 stations are spread across 27 states and union territories.
• These stations are part of the Amrit Bharat Stations scheme in which almost 1300 prime railway stations in the country will be redeveloped.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• Introduced by the Union Ministry of Railways in December 2022.
• Aim: prepare a masterplan for railway stations and implement it in a phased manner to enhance the facilities.
• The stations are slated to have upgraded amenities
  • Improved access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as necessary, free Wi-Fi
  • kiosks for local products through schemes such as ‘One Station One Product’
• Other Features
  • Better passenger information systems
  • Executive lounges
  • Well-designed traffic circulation
  • Designated spaces for business meetings
  • Landscaping, etc.
• The design of the station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage, and architecture.
• According to available money and the state of the current assets, a gradual shift to sustainable and ecologically friendly solutions is taken into account.

One Station One Product

• The Ministry of Railways launched this scheme in March, 2022.
• Objective
  • To promote ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the government
  • Providing a market for local or indigenous products
  • Create additional income opportunities for the marginalized sections of society.
• OSOP outlets at railway stations are allotted for showcasing, selling and giving high visibility to indigenous or local products.
• These OSOP stalls are designed through the National Design Institute for uniformity.

Prelims Takeaway

• Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
• One Station One Product