FCC

Northern Railway's master plan for 104 station upgrades approved

2024-10-29

Northern Railway is advancing under the ‘Viksit Bharat Viksit Railway’ initiative, focusing on improving both movable assets and fixed infrastructure. The launch of the Amrit Bharat Scheme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accelerated the redevelopment of stations in the Northern Railway zone, aiming to offer passengers a modern, clean, and comfortable travel experience.

The master plan for 104 station upgrades has been approved, with 16 stations set for major enhancements in the first phase and feasibility studies for 21 additional stations underway. The budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year is Rs. 1,538 crore.

Stations across Northern Railway’s five divisions—Delhi, Ambala, Firozpur, Moradabad, and Lucknow—are included in the plan, spanning six states and two Union Territories. Key cities such as Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Ambala, along with towns in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh like Rohtak and Saharanpur, are targeted for redevelopment.

Tourist and pilgrimage sites, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Shimla, will also be significantly upgraded. The redeveloped stations will feature new entry gates, foot overbridges (FOBs), lifts, and escalators to enhance accessibility, especially for Divyangjan (differently-abled persons).

General Manager A.K. Verma emphasized that the upgraded stations will showcase the evolving face of Indian Railways, integrating multimodal transport and commercial activities to create iconic urban centers. These improvements will enhance passenger experiences while reflecting local culture and providing facilities like offices, food courts, and shopping complexes.