Guwahati, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Ministry of Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) to initiate a transformative phase of modern, passenger-centric railway infrastructure throughout Indian Railways, according to officials on Monday.

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, stated that the scheme aims for a thorough redevelopment of railway stations using a long-term, phased strategy, directed by comprehensive master plans for each designated station to systematically upgrade passenger amenities and fundamental infrastructure.

Under ABSS, there is a strong focus on enhancing station accessibility and circulation areas, improving waiting areas and restrooms, installing lifts and escalators where necessary, boosting cleanliness, and offering complimentary Wi-Fi.

Key elements of the redevelopment include modern passenger information systems, Executive Lounges, designated business meeting areas, landscaping, and revitalized station façades.

The scheme also fosters local entrepreneurship through initiatives such as ‘One Station One Product’ kiosks, creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is revolutionizing the railway infrastructure in Assam and the broader Northeast, which falls under the jurisdiction of Northeast Frontier Railway.

A total of 92 stations have been earmarked for redevelopment within the NFR zone, with 60 stations from the Northeast included in the scheme. This encompasses 50 stations in Assam, four in Tripura, and one station each in Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

As the gateway to the Northeast, Assam has emerged as the primary beneficiary, with projects covering major urban centers and vital regional towns.

The Haibargaon railway station was the first Amrit Bharat station in Assam to be completed, inaugurated in May 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This redeveloped station has established new standards in passenger amenities, infrastructure, and design.

Built on the principle of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi,” it fuses modern facilities with the essence of Assamese culture and heritage, reimagining the station as a vibrant city hub with world-class and Divyangjan-friendly amenities, Sharma noted. Significant advancements have been recorded across various divisions in Assam.

Within the Alipurduar Division, Fakiragram station has reached 88% physical progress, Kokrajhar 78%, Dhubri 80%, and Gauripur 82%. In the Rangiya Division, Majbat railway station has achieved 98% completion, while Viswanath Chariali has recorded 97% progress.

In the Lumding Division, Chaparmukh station has shown 85% progress. In the Tinsukia Division, North Lakhimpur station and Simaluguri Junction have each reached 65% progress.

In Meghalaya, Mendipathar station under the Rangiya Division has achieved 73% progress. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme signifies a crucial advancement in upgrading India's railway infrastructure to cater to the needs of a rapidly advancing nation.

The modernized stations are anticipated to create job and business opportunities, improve travel convenience, and become centers of socio-economic activity.

By merging enhanced connectivity, contemporary facilities, and the preservation of regional identity, the scheme exemplifies the government's strong commitment to inclusive and future-ready development throughout Assam and the Northeast.