- Why in news
- On 25 March 2026 (reported 26 March), the Railways Minister told Lok Sabha that 13 Delhi stations are among 1338 identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, and gave work progress at several of them.
- What it is
- The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a Ministry of Railways programme to redevelop stations on a continuous basis. It works through master plans for each station, implemented in phases, to improve access, amenities and passenger facilities.
- Scale
- 1338 stations have been identified so far under the scheme, of which 13 are in Delhi.
- Approach
- The scheme prepares master plans and implements them in phases, with a long-term approach.
- One Station One Product
- Master plans include kiosks for local products through schemes like One Station One Product.
- Long-term vision
- The scheme also plans sustainable solutions, ballastless tracks where needed, and a city centre at the station in the long term.
- Road maintenance
- Roads outside the railway boundary are maintained by the State Government or local authorities, not Railways.
Don’t confuse with Amrit Bharat Station Scheme vs Amrit Bharat trains: The station scheme redevelops station infrastructure. Amrit Bharat Express trains are a separate service of Railways.
Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.
Why it matters
- Improves passenger amenities, accessibility for divyangjans and integration of stations with the city.
- Phased master planning allows continuous upgrading of stations across the network.
Problems
- Statutory clearances (fire, heritage, tree cutting, airport) delay works.
- Brownfield constraints such as shifting utilities, running trains during works and speed restrictions near high-voltage lines affect completion time.
Way forward
- Coordinate early with local bodies and clearing agencies to cut clearance delays.
- Plan work phasing so train operations and passenger movement continue safely.
Put in your answer
Delay factors: The Ministry says no time frame can be given because of statutory clearances and brownfield challenges.
Funding basis: Station works are taken up subject to priority and availability of funds, based on station category, condition and traffic.
- 2022Mains GS3 · Q1Need for PPP in infrastructure; PPP role in station redevelopment
- 2025Prelims Q82Correct statements on National Rail Plan and Kavach system
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting railway scheme; 1,338 stations identified. Scheme questions are 16% of Prelims, but this release has few testable provisions.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.