Western Railway has announced the inclusion of Kandivali and Dahisar railway stations in the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). This initiative aims to enhance the development of stations with a forward-looking vision, focusing on continuous improvements to infrastructure and amenities. Other stations already benefiting from the ABSS include Marine Lines, Charni Road, Grant Road, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, Malad, Jogeshwari Coaching Terminal, and Palghar.
The ABSS is designed to implement Master Plans in phases, targeting comprehensive upgrades at participating stations. Planned improvements include enhanced access to stations, upgraded circulating areas, waiting halls, and modern facilities such as toilets, lifts, and escalators. Additionally, the scheme will introduce free Wi-Fi and kiosks for local products through the ‘One Station One Product’ initiative.
Passenger experience will also be improved with better information systems, the addition of Executive Lounges and business meeting spaces, and enhanced landscaping around stations. The ABSS places a strong emphasis on integrating station buildings with city infrastructure, providing multimodal connectivity, and offering amenities for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities). Sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions are also a key focus.
Furthermore, there are plans to develop city centers at selected stations, transforming them into vibrant hubs of activity. To date, 1,324 stations have been selected for the ABSS based on proposals from Zonal Railways and the needs of major cities and towns. This broad selection underscores the commitment to improving railway infrastructure across India and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.
