Gamharia, Chakradharpur, Chaibasa among 17 Jharkhand stations to be revamped under Amrit Bharat Scheme

PM to lay foundation for 17 Amrit Stations under SER in Jharkhand

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Feb 21: Indian Railways is moving full steam ahead in the direction of modernization towards realizing Prime Minister’s vision of a new India. More than 1,300 railway stations across the country are being redeveloped with state-of-the-art facilities under Amrit Station Scheme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stones of 17 stations in Jharkhand under SER on February 26 under Amrit Station Scheme. The total cost for redevelopment of these 17 stations is estimated at Rs 244.95 Crore.

The 17 stations of Jharkhand to be redeveloped under the Amrit Station Scheme are, Chakradharpur (approx ₹ 37.93 Cr), Gamharia (approx ₹ 23.37 Cr), Sini (approx ₹ 22.69 Cr), Chaibasa (approx ₹ 18.81 Cr), Dangoaposi (approx ₹ 13.55 Cr), Barajamda  (approx ₹ 11.06 Cr), Balsiring  (approx ₹ 12.45 Cr), Bano (approx ₹ 12.15 Cr), Gangaghat (approx ₹ 11.44 Cr), Ramgarh Cantt (approx ₹ 9.95 Cr), Govindpur Road (approx ₹ 9.81 Cr), Orga (approx ₹ 9.83 Cr), Muri (approx ₹ 27.07 Cr), Silli (approx ₹ 8.8 Cr), Lohardaga (approx ₹ 5.23 Cr), Tatisilwai  (approx ₹ 6.73 Cr) and Namkom  (approx ₹ 4.08 Cr).

Master Plans are being prepared for development of these stations as ‘City Centres’, with proper integration of both sides of the city. This integrated approach is driven by the holistic vision of the overall urban development of the city, cantered around the railway station. The redevelopment will provide modern passenger amenities along with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration and signage for the guidance of passengers. The design of the station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture. ‘One Station One Product’ scheme will help the artisans and will help in the branding of local products.

Planned facilities at stations

1. New station building in place of old building with all facilities (i.e. waiting room, booking office, façade, executive lounge, cafeteria, toilets etc.),
2. Improvement in surface of platforms and platform shelters,
3. Smooth Access with wide roads,
4. Standard illumination levels,
5. Improved circulating area with efficient and durable material used for foot-paths within the premises,
6. Aesthetic, wide and well-lit entrance porches and
7. Provision of new platform shelter on all platforms.

Enhancing passenger experience and safety

1. Providing a transitional entrance porch,
2. Reorganizing and optimizing vehicular parking,
3. Signages & navigation enhancing the passenger experience via easy navigation through signages,
4. Smooth movement,
5. Experiencing local art and culture Integrated art into the station and the open spaces within the premises,
6. CCTV Cameras to ensure surveillance throughout the station and
7. Public Address System enhancing the reach of PA system to address passengers throughout the station premises about important information.

The station buildings to be designed with adequate daylight, reduced heat gain, improving energy efficiency, incorporating solar panels, low-energy LED Illumination, Water Recycling and Rainwater harvesting, Low water consumption fixtures, Bio-Toilet, planting of native species in the landscape to promote local biodiversity and incorporating green patches within the premises.

Accessibility Measures for physically challenged

1. Providing Information System Accessibility by Signages, announcement system, website and mobile app,
2. Providing Station Accessibility by Entrance ramp, reserved parking, low-height counters, disabled-friendly washrooms and help booths near exits,
3. Providing Platform Accessibility by Guiding tactile path, accessible washrooms, water booth with low height, FOB ramps,
4. Provision of Signage in Braille Script for the visually challenged.

The modernization of stations over the state of Jharkhand will create a new atmosphere for development as they will give a good first impression among the visitors. Upgraded stations will not only increase tourism but will also give a boost to economic activities and financial growth in the nearby areas. These Amrit Railway stations will be a symbol of taking pride in one’s heritage and instill pride in every citizen.