On the right track: Indian Railways accelerates modernisation drive with Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Times of Oman

10 hours ago

New Delhi: The Indian Railways is reinventing itself — not just as a logistical juggernaut but as a symbol of modern India's infrastructural ambition.
At the heart of this sweeping change is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a visionary initiative to revitalise railway stations across the country, turning them into modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly transit hubs.
A new era for railway stations
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched by the Government of India, seeks to redevelop over 1,300 railway stations in phases.
These stations are being upgraded with a focus on passenger convenience, sustainability, and smart infrastructure.
The idea is to shift away from the outdated utilitarian model and build integrated urban hubs that reflect local culture, provide seamless transit experiences, and promote economic growth.
Some of the key features of this modernisation effort include world-class amenities such as executive lounges, air-conditioned waiting areas, retail outlets, and food courts, improved accessibility with escalators, lifts, foot overbridges, and provision for the differently-abled, sustainable architecture, featuring solar panels, water recycling systems, and green cover, and multimodal integration to ensure smooth connectivity between railways and other forms of public transport.
Notably, railway stations such as Rani Kamalapati (formerly Habibganj) in Bhopal and Gandhinagar Capital in Gujarat have already emerged as models of what the future holds. These stations showcase architectural elegance combined with cutting-edge facilities, standing toe-to-toe with international counterparts.
Digitisation and smart services
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Indian Railways is also embracing digital transformation at an unprecedented scale. The introduction of smart ticketing, real-time train tracking apps, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytics is revolutionising how the network is managed and experienced.
The UTS app (Unreserved Ticketing System) has made ticket purchasing more efficient and paperless for millions of daily passengers.
Additionally, digital boards, automated announcements in multiple languages, and AI-powered surveillance systems are being rolled out to make stations safer and more informative.
Vande Bharat: India's flagbearer of speed and comfort
Modernisation extends beyond stations into the rolling stock itself.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express marks a new chapter in high-speed, semi-luxury rail travel.
With multiple Vande Bharat routes already operational and more in the pipeline, the train has come to symbolise India's engineering capabilities and commitment to world-class transport.
Freight corridors and logistics innovation
Passenger amenities are just one part of the picture.
The Indian Railways is also undergoing a parallel transformation in its freight operations.
The Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC)—Eastern and Western—are designed to decongest passenger lines and dramatically improve freight efficiency.
These corridors are equipped with modern signalling systems and allow for longer, faster, and heavier trains to move bulk goods across vast distances with reduced turnaround times.
As a result, logistics costs for Indian industry are expected to drop significantly, boosting the country's global trade competitiveness.
Complementing this is the rise of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, enabling public-private partnerships in logistics.
These multimodal hubs facilitate seamless movement of goods by integrating railways with roadways, ports, and air cargo systems.
Focus on sustainability
Modernisation is being pursued with a strong emphasis on green goals.
Indian Railways has set a target to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030 — a bold move for an enterprise of its size and scale.
To achieve the goal, Indian Railways has electrified more than 85% of broad-gauge routes, drastically cutting diesel dependence, and has adopted solar energy across railway premises and operations.
From installing solar panels on station rooftops to introducing energy-efficient LED lighting systems, the Indian Railways is firmly committed to sustainable practices.
Skilling and employment generation
As it evolves, the Indian Railways continues to honour its legacy as a massive employment generator.
The modernisation push is creating new opportunities for engineers, architects, technicians, data scientists, and service personnel.
It is also spawning ancillary industries such as construction, manufacturing, and digital services.
Railway training institutes across India are being upgraded to impart modern skill sets, including digital literacy, AI, and automation.
The integration of advanced technologies is encouraging a cultural shift in how the railways operate — blending traditional values with future-ready innovation.
Bringing India closer together
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this transformation is its inclusive reach.
Stations in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities — often overlooked in earlier development phases — are now receiving significant attention under the Amrit Bharat vision.
Whether it is Puri in Odisha, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, or Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, the focus is on pan-India development, bridging the urban-rural divide.
By enhancing last-mile connectivity and uplifting infrastructure in remote regions, the Indian Railways is playing a pivotal role in national integration and equitable development.
A national renaissance on rails
As India steps confidently into its Amrit Kaal — the era leading up to its 100th year of independence in 2047 — the Indian Railways stands as a symbol of both continuity and change.
With the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme as its flagship initiative and a series of transformative projects in its stride, the Railways is laying the tracks for a future that is sustainable, efficient, inclusive, and proudly Indian.