PM Modi Amrit Bharat Station Scheme 2025: The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is a transformative initiative by the Indian Railways, aimed at modernizing railway stations across the country to enhance passenger experience, promote regional culture, and boost local economies. During a public rally in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, on July 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the scheme’s significance, stating that 77 railway stations in Tamil Nadu are being redeveloped under this initiative. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
PM Amrit Bharat Station Scheme 2025
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched in 2022, is a flagship program by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop and modernize railway stations across India. The initiative focuses on transforming stations into world-class transport hubs that are clean, passenger-friendly, and reflective of local culture and heritage. With a long-term vision, the scheme involves creating master plans for stations and implementing upgrades in phases to improve accessibility, amenities, and connectivity.
The ABSS targets over 1,300 railway stations nationwide, with a phased approach to ensure sustainable and efficient development. The scheme emphasizes modern amenities, sustainable designs, and integration with local architecture. It also incorporates the “One Station One Product” initiative to promote local crafts and products, fostering economic growth in the regions surrounding the stations.
PM Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Objectives
- Enhanced Passenger Experience: Upgrade stations with modern amenities like waiting halls, escalators, lifts, free Wi-Fi, and clean toilets.
- Multimodal Connectivity: Integrate stations with other modes of transport, such as buses and metro systems, for seamless travel.
- Cultural Integration: Design station facades and interiors to reflect local heritage, such as the Chola architecture influence in Tamil Nadu’s Kumbhakonam station.
- Sustainability: Implement eco-friendly solutions like energy-efficient lighting and sustainable construction practices.
- Accessibility: Ensure stations are Divyangjan-friendly (accessible for persons with disabilities) with ramps, lifts, and tactile paths.
- Economic Growth: Promote local economies through kiosks for indigenous products under the “One Station One Product” initiative.
PM Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a key focus of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with 77 railway stations identified for redevelopment. During his address in Thoothukudi, PM Modi emphasized that Tamil Nadu is a major center for the modernization of railway infrastructure. Stations like Chidambaram, Srirangam, Tiruvannamalai, Vriddhachalam Junction, Mannargudi, Polur, Kulitturai, Samalpatti, and St Thomas Mount are among those being upgraded.
Notable Tamil Nadu Stations Under ABSS
- Chidambaram: Reflecting the architectural grandeur of the Chola dynasty, this station is being modernized to serve as a cultural hub while offering modern amenities.
- Kumbhakonam: The station’s design draws inspiration from Chola architecture, blending heritage with functionality.
- Srirangam: A key pilgrimage destination, this station will feature upgraded facilities to accommodate tourists and devotees.
- Tiruvannamalai: Known for its spiritual significance, the station will enhance accessibility and passenger comfort.
- St Thomas Mount: A vital station in Chennai, it is being revamped to improve connectivity and passenger experience.
The redevelopment of these 77 stations is part of a broader effort to transform Tamil Nadu’s railway infrastructure into a modern, efficient, and culturally rich network. The upgrades include resurfaced platforms, better lighting, modern ticketing systems, and inclusive infrastructure for persons with disabilities.
Features of PM Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The ABSS is designed to elevate the travel experience by incorporating a wide range of modern amenities and sustainable practices. Below are the key features of the scheme:
1. Modern Passenger Amenities
- Waiting Halls and Toilets: Upgraded waiting areas with comfortable seating and clean, modern sanitation facilities.
- Lifts and Escalators: Installed where necessary to improve accessibility, especially for elderly passengers and those with disabilities.
- Free Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access to keep passengers connected.
- Executive Lounges: Premium spaces for business travelers and those seeking a comfortable waiting experience.
- Food Courts and Kiosks: Dedicated areas for food and local product stalls, promoting regional cuisine and crafts.
2. Cultural and Architectural Integration
Stations are redesigned to reflect the cultural and architectural heritage of their regions. For example:
- In Tamil Nadu, stations like Kumbhakonam and Chidambaram incorporate Chola architectural elements.
- In Gujarat, the Ahmedabad station draws inspiration from the Modhera Sun Temple.
- In Odisha, the Baleshwar station is themed around the Jagannath Temple.
This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes local culture to travelers.
3. Multimodal Connectivity
The scheme emphasizes integrating railway stations with other modes of transport, such as buses, metro systems, and auto-rickshaw stands, to ensure seamless travel. Improved circulating areas and better station access roads facilitate smoother passenger movement.
4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: LED lights and solar panels to reduce energy consumption.
- Ballastless Tracks: For smoother and more durable rail operations.
- Landscaping: Beautifully designed green spaces to enhance the station environment.
- Sustainable Construction: Use of eco-friendly materials and practices to minimize environmental impact.
5. Accessibility for All
The scheme prioritizes inclusivity by ensuring stations are equipped with:
- Ramps and tactile paths for visually impaired passengers.
- Lifts and escalators for elderly and disabled passengers.
- Signage and information systems in multiple languages, including Braille.
6. One Station One Product Initiative
This unique feature promotes local economies by providing dedicated kiosks for artisans and craftsmen to sell indigenous products. For example, a station in Tamil Nadu might feature stalls selling traditional handwoven textiles or local snacks, boosting the livelihoods of local communities.
Who Benefits from the PM Amrit Bharat Station Scheme ?
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has a wide-reaching impact, benefiting multiple stakeholders, including passengers, local communities, businesses, and the railway system itself.
1. Passengers
- Improved Comfort: Modern amenities like air-conditioned waiting halls, clean toilets, and Wi-Fi enhance the travel experience.
- Better Accessibility: Divyangjan-friendly infrastructure ensures inclusivity for all passengers.
- Seamless Connectivity: Multimodal integration makes it easier to transfer between different modes of transport.
- Enhanced Safety: Upgraded lighting, CCTV surveillance, and better crowd management systems improve passenger safety.
2. Local Communities
- Economic Boost: The “One Station One Product” initiative provides a platform for local artisans and small businesses to showcase and sell their products.
- Job Creation: Redevelopment projects create employment opportunities during construction and operation phases.
- Cultural Promotion: Stations reflecting local heritage attract tourists, boosting the visibility of regional culture.
3. Businesses
- Increased Footfall: Modernized stations attract more passengers, benefiting shops, food courts, and kiosks within the premises.
- Business Lounges: Executive lounges and meeting spaces cater to corporate travelers, fostering business activities.
- Advertising Opportunities: Upgraded stations offer prime spaces for advertising, generating revenue for businesses.
4. Indian Railways
- Operational Efficiency: Modern infrastructure, such as ballastless tracks and better passenger flow systems, improves train operations.
- Revenue Generation: Enhanced facilities attract more passengers, increasing ticket sales and revenue from commercial spaces.
- Sustainability Goals: Eco-friendly designs align with India’s environmental objectives.
5. Tourists and Pilgrims
- Cultural Experience: Stations designed with local heritage elements provide an immersive experience for tourists.
- Improved Facilities: Pilgrimage stations like Tiruvannamalai and Srirangam in Tamil Nadu cater to devotees with better amenities and accessibility.
Implementation and Progress of ABSS
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is being executed in a phased manner, with over 1,300 stations identified for redevelopment across India. As of May 2025, PM Modi inaugurated 103 redeveloped stations, costing over ₹1,100 crore, spanning 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories. In Tamil Nadu, nine of these stations, including Chidambaram and St Thomas Mount, were part of this milestone.
Key Milestones
- 2021: The scheme’s origins trace back to the redevelopment of Gandhinagar station in Gujarat, which set a benchmark with its five-star hotel and modern facilities.
- 2022: The ABSS was officially launched, targeting over 1,300 stations.
- May 2025: 103 stations were inaugurated, including nine in Tamil Nadu.
- Future Plans: Approximately 500 more stations are planned for redevelopment by 2027, with an additional 100 scheduled in the next eight months.
Investment and Scale
The scheme represents a significant investment, with over ₹19,000 crore allocated for the redevelopment of 553 stations as of February 2024. The 103 stations inaugurated in May 2025 alone cost over ₹1,100 crore, demonstrating the government’s commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure.
Tamil Nadu’s Role in ABSS
Tamil Nadu’s 77 stations under the ABSS highlight the state’s importance in India’s railway modernization drive. The state’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with its strategic location as a major economic and tourism hub, makes it a priority for the scheme. The redevelopment of stations like Vriddhachalam Junction and Mannargudi not only improves connectivity but also supports Tamil Nadu’s tourism and pilgrimage sectors.
Impact on Tamil Nadu’s Economy
- Tourism Boost: Modernized stations in pilgrimage centers like Tiruvannamalai and Srirangam attract more visitors, benefiting local businesses.
- Local Product Promotion: The “One Station One Product” kiosks showcase Tamil Nadu’s traditional crafts, such as Tanjore paintings and Kanchipuram silk, supporting artisans.
- Improved Connectivity: Upgraded stations enhance connectivity to industrial and commercial hubs, fostering economic growth.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a visionary project, it faces certain challenges:
- Funding and Timelines: The scale of the project requires substantial investment and coordination to meet deadlines.
- Local Integration: Balancing modernization with cultural preservation requires careful planning to avoid alienating local communities.
- Maintenance: Ensuring the long-term upkeep of modernized stations is critical to sustaining the benefits.
Despite these challenges, the scheme’s long-term vision and phased approach ensure steady progress. With approximately 500 stations planned for redevelopment by 2027, the ABSS is poised to transform Indian Railways into a modern, passenger-centric network.
Why Is the APM Amrit Bharat Station Scheme ?
The ABSS is more than just a railway modernization project; it is a step toward enhancing India’s infrastructure, promoting cultural heritage, and driving economic growth. By transforming stations into vibrant city centers, the scheme improves the quality of life for millions of passengers while showcasing India’s diversity and heritage. In Tamil Nadu, the redevelopment of 77 stations underscores the state’s pivotal role in this national initiative.
Key Takeaways
- The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to modernize over 1,300 railway stations across India, with 77 in Tamil Nadu.
- It focuses on passenger comfort, cultural integration, sustainability, and accessibility.
- The “One Station One Product” initiative promotes local economies by showcasing regional crafts.
- Tamil Nadu’s stations, like Chidambaram and Kumbhakonam, reflect Chola architecture, enhancing cultural tourism.
- The scheme benefits passengers, local communities, businesses, and the railway system.
Conclusion
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a landmark initiative that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a modern, connected, and culturally vibrant India. In Tamil Nadu, the redevelopment of 77 railway stations under this scheme is set to transform the state’s railway infrastructure, benefiting passengers, local communities, and businesses. By integrating modern amenities with regional heritage, the ABSS ensures that railway stations are not just transit points but also cultural and economic hubs. As the scheme progresses, it will continue to enhance the travel experience for millions while contributing to India’s growth story.
For more information on the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, visit the official Indian Railways website or follow updates from the Ministry of Railways. Stay tuned for further developments as India’s railway network evolves into a world-class system.