What Changes Have Been Made at Bihar's Pirpainti Railway Station?

Bhagalpur, May 21 (NationPress) The Pirpainti Railway Station located in Bihar's Bhagalpur district has experienced an impressive transformation through the initiative of the Indian Railways’ Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).

This extensive redevelopment project, costing Rs 18.93 crore, is part of the initial phase of ABSS, which is focused on enhancing railway infrastructure throughout the country.

Designated as a Non-Suburban Grade-5 (NSG-5) station within the Eastern Railway zone, Pirpainti is strategically significant in the area. The redevelopment encompasses a range of modern facilities and structural improvements aimed at enriching the passenger experience while reflecting Bihar’s rich cultural heritage.

Notable enhancements consist of a 12-meter-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), the addition of lifts, contemporary civil and electrical works, and the deployment of state-of-the-art signaling and telecommunication systems. A roof plaza, an updated facade, dedicated arrival and departure blocks, aesthetic lighting, pedestrian pathways, and sculptures have also been introduced to create a visually captivating and functional design.

Passenger amenities have significantly improved with the establishment of first-class and second-class waiting areas, an executive lounge, a reserved lounge, and a ladies’ waiting room. The concourse and arrival block have been entirely revamped, and the circulating area has been expanded to facilitate smoother passenger movement.

To improve information accessibility, large indoor and outdoor video walls have been set up. The station now boasts clear and comprehensive signage to assist passengers in navigating the facility efficiently. Special consideration has been given to inclusivity, featuring facilities for differently-abled individuals, such as tactile paths, ramps, low-height inquiry counters, and accessible restrooms to ensure universal access.

According to Manish Kumar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Malda Railway Division, “Under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, the redevelopment work at Pirpainti railway station is advancing at a cost of Rs 18.93 crore. Completed upgrades in the first phase include modern waiting areas, lounges, video walls, wayfinding signage, and facilities for Divyaangjan. The green landscape surrounding the station embodies local culture through statues and artistic elements.”

The station’s design successfully merges modern architecture with traditional artistry and historical influences from the region, establishing a unique identity that resonates with Bihar's heritage.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched by the central government in 2021, aims to modernize over 1,300 railway stations across India. The initiative emphasizes not just beautification, but also the creation of cleaner, safer, and more accessible public spaces equipped with world-class amenities.

On May 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate 103 newly redeveloped Amrit Bharat stations across 86 districts in 18 states and union territories via video conferencing. These stations, constructed at a total cost exceeding Rs 1,100 crore, mark a significant advancement in modernizing the nation's railway network.