Revamped Mumbai Local News: 4 Additional Stations Upgraded Through Amrit Bharat Scheme
Mumbai’s suburban railway network has seen a significant upgrade with the addition of four more stations to the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). The newly included stations are Dadar, Panvel, Kandivali, and Dahisar, bringing the total number of stations covered by the ABSS to 38. This initiative aims to enhance the infrastructure and facilities of these stations through systematic long-term planning.
Expanding the ABSS
The Western Railway division has been at the forefront of the ABSS, with stations like Marine Lines, Charni Road, Grant Road, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Malad, Jogeshwari Coaching Terminal, and Palghar already benefiting from the scheme. On the Central Railway division in Mumbai, stations such as Byculla, Chinchpokli, Parel, Matunga, Kurla, Vidyavihar, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Mumbra, Diva, Shahad, Titwala, Igatpuri, Lonavala, Wadala Road, and Sandhurst Road have also been included in the program.
Additionally, the ABSS extends to non-suburban stations like Umbergaon, Sanjan, Vapi, Bilimora, Sachin, Bhestan, Bardoli, Nandurbar, Amalner, and Dharangaon. This comprehensive approach ensures that various types of stations across Mumbai receive the necessary upgrades to improve passenger experience and overall functionality.
Enhancing Station Facilities
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme focuses on modernizing station amenities with the implementation of detailed master plans. Some of the key features that are being introduced include improved access to stations, redesigned circulating areas, upgraded waiting lounges, enhanced restroom facilities, installation of elevators and escalators, provision of free Wi-Fi, maintenance of cleanliness standards, and establishment of kiosks for local products under the “One Station, One Product” initiative.
Moreover, the scheme aims to introduce additional facilities such as executive lounges, corporate conference spaces, advanced passenger information systems, and landscaping enhancements as per specific requirements. These upgrades are designed to cater to the diverse needs of passengers and create a more comfortable and efficient travel environment within the railway network.
Focus on Multimodal Connectivity and Sustainability
In line with the modernization efforts, the ABSS also emphasizes the importance of improving multimodal connectivity, providing facilities for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), implementing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, and enhancing the overall aesthetics of station buildings. By integrating stations with city infrastructure and developing city centers near these stations, the scheme aims to create seamless transportation hubs that serve as vital nodes in Mumbai’s urban landscape.
As part of the nationwide initiative, a total of 1,324 stations across India have been identified under the ABSS, following recommendations from Zonal Railways and considering the specific requirements of major cities and towns. This coordinated approach ensures that the benefits of the scheme are extended to a wide range of locations, contributing to the overall improvement of railway services across the country.
In conclusion, the expansion of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to include Dadar, Panvel, Kandivali, and Dahisar stations in Mumbai signifies a significant step towards enhancing the city’s suburban railway network. By focusing on long-term planning, modernization of facilities, and sustainability initiatives, the ABSS is poised to transform the way passengers experience and interact with the railway system in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
