In News:

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), launched to transform railway stations across India into world-class travel hubs, has achieved a key milestone. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the completion of redevelopment work at 104 stations out of the planned 1,300 stations under the scheme.

About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• Launched: 2023
• Objective: Comprehensive redevelopment of railway stations to:
  • Upgrade passenger amenities
  • Enhance multi-modal connectivity
  • Modernize infrastructure with sustainable and accessible design

Key Updates (As of April 2025)

• Total stations under ABSS: 1,300
• Stations with completed redevelopment: 104
• Stations in Maharashtra: 132 (significant progress reported)

Major Highlights

Feature                                                      Details

Notable Station Project                 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai

CSMT Redevelopment Cost       ?1,800 crore

Modern Facilities Planned           Waiting lounges, food courts, clean restrooms, lifts, escalators,

                                                          digital signage

International Comparison           CSMT post-redevelopment projected to surpass

                                                                           London’s Kings Cross station

Additional Infrastructure Developments in Maharashtra

• Gondia–Ballarshah Railway Line Doubling:
  • Length: 240 km
  • Region: Vidarbha
  • Approved Investment: ?4,819 crore
  • Strategic Importance: Enhances connectivity and freight movement

Centre–State Collaboration

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of India and Government of Maharashtra for railway project implementation and coordination.