The Amrit Bharat Scheme has emerged as a pivotal infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing India’s railway stations with enhanced facilities, improved connectivity, and a better passenger experience. While many cities have reported substantial progress under this ambitious scheme, Coimbatore North Railway Station stands out as a critical node whose timely development is now being vocally demanded by local commuters and rail user associations.
What is the Amrit Bharat Scheme?
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is an ambitious initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, aimed at transforming India’s railway stations into modern, world-class and passenger-friendly places. Announced in 2023, the scheme aims to bring significant improvements to over 1,300 railway stations across the country, making them more efficient, accessible and at par with global standards of infrastructure and service. Unlike earlier station development programmes that focused only on cosmetic changes, the Amrit Bharat Scheme takes a long-term, comprehensive and integrated approach to station modernisation. It focuses not only on beautification but also on strengthening the core infrastructure, enhancing passenger amenities and integrating urban and transport connectivity.
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Objective of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The primary objective of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is to develop railway stations into multi-functional hubs that offer not only transport facilities but also commercial, recreational, and digital amenities. Here are the key goals:
- To improve overall passenger experience
- To upgrade station infrastructure and facilities
- To promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices
- To ensure better connectivity with nearby transport systems
- To support local businesses through ‘One Station One Product’
- To create inclusive and Divyangjan-friendly stations
- To modernize stations in both urban and rural areas
- To develop stations as future-ready transport hubs
In simple words, the Amrit Bharat Scheme is not just about improving how a station looks — it’s about making sure every person who travels through Indian Railways experiences comfort, safety, efficiency, and pride.
Overview Of Amrit Bharat Scheme
| Name of the scheme | Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) |
| Objective | Holistic development of railway stations with modern, accessible facilities |
| Launched By | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2023 |
| Beneficiaries | Railway passengers across India |
| Target | Development of over 1300 railway stations in multiple phases |
| Key Components | Foot Over Bridges, Lifts, Escalators, Toilets, Waiting Lounges, Parking, Facades, Landscaping, Digital Signage, One Station One Product stalls |
| Latest Status | Multiple stations under various phases of construction/upgradation across India |
| Example Stations in Focus | Coimbatore North, Pune Junction, Shivajinagar, Talegaon, Kolhapur, Uruli, Hadapsar, etc. |
| Special Focus Areas | Divyangjan-friendly facilities, Multimodal connectivity, Green energy usage |
| Total Budget | Estimated in thousands of crores, varies station-wise |
| Implementing Authority | Indian Railways through respective Zonal and Divisional Offices |
| Associated Departments | RLDA (Railway Land Development Authority), Engineering & Infrastructure Divisions |
| Current Challenges | Project delays at a few stations, clearance issues, infrastructure congestion |
| Successful Completions | Kedgaon (100%), Uruli (94%), Baramati (89%), Lohand (100%) among others |
| Vision | Transform railway stations into world-class, commuter-centric hubs |
| Integrated Facilities | Waiting rooms, Retail spaces, Food courts, CCTV, Digital ticketing kiosks |
| Scheme Benefits | Better passenger amenities, reduced congestion, Improved station aesthetics |
| Relevant Schemes Linked | ‘One Station One Product’, Smart City Mission, Make in India |
| Expected Completion Timeline | Varies by station; majority targeted by end of 2025 |
| Official Website | https://indianrailways.gov.in |
Need for Speed: Coimbatore North Railway Station’s Critical Role
Located in one of Tamil Nadu’s busiest urban centers, Coimbatore North Station has been earmarked for strategic development under the Amrit Bharat Station Development Scheme (ABSD Scheme) since August 2023. This development is not merely cosmetic; it holds the key to decongesting the overcrowded Coimbatore Junction. Southern Railway has already expressed intentions to utilize Coimbatore North as a terminating and originating point for several trains. However, infrastructure bottlenecks remain a significant concern.
Eastern Entrance Development Progresses; Western Lags Behind
Significant work has already been completed on the eastern side of the station, including the construction of a Foot Over Bridge (FOB) connecting the eastern and western parts of the station. The eastern entrance also boasts upgraded ticketing facilities and structural enhancements. But the western entrance, towards Mettupalayam Road, shows no significant progress, much to the dismay of daily commuters and stakeholders.
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Public and Rail User Associations Urge Swift Action
J. Sathish, former member of the Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committee and Director of Kongu Global Forum, has raised concerns about the project’s uneven progress. He emphasized that landscaping, parking, lifts, waiting halls, toilet facilities, and platform extensions should be expedited to enable the stoppage and origination of more trains at the station.
With 29 trains currently halting at the station, the stakeholders believe that the completion of pending infrastructure works could position Coimbatore North as a high-utility alternative to Coimbatore Junction, fostering greater passenger distribution and enhancing regional rail connectivity.
Potential for Expansion and Additional Platforms
One of the key recommendations put forth by local associations includes the relocation of the FCI godown and goods shed currently occupying valuable real estate within the station’s premises. This would make room for the construction of two additional platforms, a transformative step in turning Coimbatore North into a high-capacity hub.
Such an upgrade would not only increase the station’s operational capacity but also align with the broader objectives of the Amrit Bharat Scheme — turning railway stations into multimodal transport hubs.
Comparison With Progress in Pune Division: A Tale of Two Schemes
While Coimbatore North’s progress has stalled, the Pune Railway Division paints a contrasting picture, with over 70% of work completed across 20 key stations. The Pune Division’s success underlines the potential of the Amrit Bharat Scheme when executed efficiently.
Highlights from Pune Division: Stations on Fast Track
- Talegaon Station: Reservation office, platform surfacing, VIP room, and portico completed; ongoing work includes waiting halls, parking, lifts, and FOB.
- Akurdi Station: Toilet blocks, COP, and underground water tanks completed; building front improvements are underway.
- Chinchwad Station: RPF Thana and booking office completed; platform surface and waiting area improvements in progress.
- Hadapsar Station: Buildings A and C completed, including cloak and waiting rooms; drainage and FOB works are moving ahead.
- Kedgaon Station: One of the fastest completed stations, with 100% of core facility works done.
Each of these stations demonstrates what Coimbatore North could become — a fully integrated, passenger-centric terminal — if momentum is restored to the project.
List of 20 Stations under Amrit Bharat Scheme in Pune Division
- Talegaon
- Hadapsar
- Kolhapur
- Kedgaon
- Lohand
- Dehu Road
- Akurdi
- Chinchwad
- Uruli
- Kopargaon
- Belapur
- Daund
- Ahmednagar
- Sangli
- Hathkalangale
- Phaltan
- Satara
- Karad
- Baramati
- Wathar
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Status of Funds and Work Completion: Ground Realities in Maharashtra
The comprehensive allocation and tracking of funds in Maharashtra’s Amrit Bharat projects offer a blueprint for transparency and accountability:
- Baramati: ₹11.40 crore allocated; 89% work completed.
- kedgaon: ₹12.50 crore; 100% work completed.
- Daund: ₹44 crore; 60% completion.
- Akurdi: ₹34 crore; 45% work completion.
- Chinchwad: ₹20.40 crore; 42% completion.
- Hadapsar: ₹25 crore; 45% work completion.
- Talegaon: ₹40.34 crore; 26% done.
- Dehu Road: ₹8.05 crore; 8.5% completion — lowest in the division.
- Uruli: ₹13 crore; 94% completion — another nearly finished project.
This data-driven progress tracking ensures better public engagement and pushes stakeholders to meet deadlines. Coimbatore North needs similar monitoring to regain lost pace.
Delayed Start in Major Stations: Pune Junction and Shivajinagar
Despite rapid progress in satellite stations, two of Pune’s most crucial terminals — Pune Junction and Shivajinagar Station — have yet to see meaningful action. Approval processes and RLDA involvement have led to bureaucratic delays.
The lesson for Coimbatore North? Delays in approvals and lack of inter-agency coordination can severely hinder station redevelopment. There is an urgent need for escalated interdepartmental engagement to ensure the fast execution of sanctioned works.
Amrit Bharat Scheme’s Vision and Relevance for Coimbatore
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is more than a renovation initiative; it’s a future-facing mission aimed at enhancing station accessibility, clean energy usage, and multimodal connectivity.
Key features envisioned under the Amrit Bharat Scheme include:
- Divyangjan-friendly amenities
- Roof plazas and food courts
- Digital integration and CCTV surveillance
- One Station One Product kiosks
- Business lounges and clean energy facilities
For Coimbatore North, incorporating these elements would be a game-changer in boosting not just passenger convenience but also tourism, trade, and real estate in the vicinity.
Way Forward: What Needs to Happen at Coimbatore North
To unlock the full potential of Coimbatore North Station, the following immediate steps must be prioritized:
- Fast-track development of the western entrance
- Complete pending works on lifts, toilets, FOB, waiting rooms, and platforms
- Shift the FCI godown and goods shed to facilitate platform expansion
- Introduce landscaping and parking at both entrances on equal footing
- Ensure regular public progress updates and fund utilization transparency
The people of Coimbatore and the travelling public at large have been patient stakeholders. Now, they deserve an expedited timeline and timely project delivery under the Amrit Bharat Scheme.
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Conclusion
The Amrit Bharat Scheme represents a crucial leap toward modernizing Indian rail infrastructure. While Pune Division shines with exemplary progress across multiple stations, Coimbatore North Railway Station lags despite its strategic importance. Swift, coordinated, and transparent action must now take center stage to deliver on the promise of a future-ready, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway hub in Tamil Nadu.
FAQs – Amrit Bharat Scheme
What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
The Amrit Bharat Scheme is an initiative by Indian Railways to modernize over 1,300 railway stations with upgraded facilities, better connectivity, and passenger-friendly amenities.
What are One Station One Product (OSOP) kiosks?
These are small stalls set up at railway stations to promote and sell unique local products, such as handicrafts, textiles, or food items, supporting local artisans and businesses.
How does the Amrit Bharat Scheme improve passenger experience?
It enhances stations with foot overbridges, escalators, waiting lounges, digital signages, better sanitation, parking, and eco-friendly features for a more comfortable journey.
Which stations are being developed under the Amrit Bharat Scheme?
Stations across India, including Pune Junction, Coimbatore North, Kolhapur, Talegaon, and Hadapsar, are undergoing modernization under this Amrit Bharat Scheme.