Work of Amrit Bharat Station scheme phase 1 to finish at 4 out of 16 stations under Pune Rly Division

The first phase of development for at least four of the sixteen railway stations of Pune Railway Division that were selected for development under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme of the Centre will be completed by February 15, according to senior railway officials.

Pune, Shivajinagar, and Miraj are not among the ‘Amrit Bharat railway stations’ that have been selected.

According to a senior railway official, this year will see both the assembly and general elections in Maharashtra. Completing the initial phase of work for a minimum of four stations is the goal before the model code of conduct takes effect. The Prime Minister will then declare these open.

Talegaon, Dehu Road, Akurdi, Chinchwad, Hadapsar, Uruli, Khedgaon, Baramati, Lonand, Satara, Karad, Sangli, Kolhapur, Phaltan, Wathar, and Hatkanangle are the 16 stations that are part of the scheme.

The railway official went on to say that currently, between 20 and 40 per cent of work at all these stations is complete. They aim to finish the first phase at four of them by the end of the following month while keeping an eye on the work pace. In the first phase, a new facade will be built, along with the station’s portico and circulating area, a 12-meter-wide foot-over bridge, three elevators and three escalators will be installed, a second entry point will be made, more restroom blocks will be added, seating will be increased, signage will be placed and the station will be made accessible to those with special needs.

The Amrit Bharat station scheme was launched in February last year and involves the development and upgradation of 1,275 railway stations in total across the country. The scheme envisages the development of stations continuously with a long-term approach. It involves the preparation of master plans and their implementation in phases to improve the amenities at the stations.