Srinagar, Jan 19: In a significant stride toward elevating railway travel and connectivity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, two key railway stations are slated for a comprehensive makeover as part of the nationwide “Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,” covering over 500 railway stations across India.
A spokesperson from Northern Railways revealed to Rising Kashmir that the Budgam railway station in Kashmir and the Udhampur station in the Jammu region have been earmarked for modernization. The initiative, designed for continuous development with a long-term perspective, aims to enhance facilities, including multimodal integration, improved infrastructure, and overall station upgrades.
The modernized stations are envisioned to feature state-of-the-art facilities such as multiple entrance gates, well-designed platforms, escalators, lifts, and dedicated amenities for differently-abled individuals. The initiative seeks to formulate a master plan for railway stations and implement it progressively to enrich passenger experience, the spokesman added.
Among the 1,309 railway stations identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, over 500 are set to undergo redevelopment, seamlessly integrating into a vast network covering most states and Union Territories.
“Passengers can expect an array of conveniences, including restaurants, cyber cafes, and Wi-Fi services. Specialized help centers will cater to the needs of senior citizens, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for all,” the spokesman said.
The redevelopment initiative encompasses various aspects, including station access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift and escalators, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, and kiosks promoting local products under the “one station, one product” scheme. The plan also emphasizes multi-modal integration and eco-friendly solutions.
This ambitious initiative aligns with the recent surge in the annual budget allocation for rail infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
Recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said that there has been 5 times increase in the annual budget allocation for rail infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a five-fold rise this year.
He said that surge from an average outlay of Rs 1044 crore per year from 2009 to 2014 to an impressive Rs 6003 crores in the fiscal year 2023-24. Vaishnaw detailed that the progress is particularly visible in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, where 161 km out of the total 272 km has already been commissioned.
