Amrit Bharat scheme nears completion: 27 Kerala railway stations set for major facility upgrades

Kannur: The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is set to give a complete makeover to 27 railway stations across Kerala, with an investment of Rs 500 crore aimed at revamp of key stations in the state. The project is nearing completion, with major stations like Vadakara, Mahe, and Chirayinkeezhu set to be inaugurated soon. 

Under the redevelopment program, 31 stations in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad divisions, including stations in neighbouring states like Mangaluru Junction, Pollachi, Kanyakumari, and Tirunelveli, are undergoing a major transformation. While work at almost all the stations is expected to be completed this month, the Kannur station is the only one yet to commence due to late announcement.

The redevelopment project is part of a nationwide initiative under the Amrit Bharat scheme, which aims to modernise 1,337 railway stations across the country. In Kerala, the project is progressing well, with 15 stations in the Thiruvananthapuram division and 16 stations in the Palakkad division set to benefit from the program. Notable stations like Vadakkanchery, Guruvayur, Alappuzha, Thiruvalla, and many others are being revamped under the project.

The estimated cost of the upgrades includes Rs 22 crore for Vadakara station and Rs 11 crore for Mahe station. Additionally, Nilambur and Angadippuram stations in Malappuram district are nearing completion, with 90 percent of the work already done in the Thiruvananthapuram division.

The renovation works under the Amrit Bharat Scheme focus on enhancing passenger facilities with modern amenities. The project includes the construction of platforms designed in Kerala’s traditional style, along with the development of lush gardens, air-conditioned waiting areas, and the removal of outdated buildings. New overpasses, escalators, and lifts will be added to improve accessibility, and the parking areas, platforms, and restroom facilities will be expanded.

In addition, modern announcement systems, updated waiting areas, and improved lighting will be part of the station revamps, aiming to provide passengers with a comfortable travel experience. 

The development under the Amrit Bharat scheme is expected to enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers in Kerala, improving connectivity and ensuring that the state's railway infrastructure meets the growing demands of modern-day commuters.

Stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme include:

Vadakkanchery, Guruvayur, Alappuzha, Thiruvalla, Chirayinkeezhu, Ettumanur, Kayamkulam, Tripunithura, Chalakudy, Angamaly, Changanasseri, Neyyattinkara, Mavelikara, Shoranur, Thalassery, Kuttippuram, Ottapalam, Tirur, Vadakara, Payyanur, Nilambur Road, Kannur, Kasaragod, Mahe, Parappanangadi, Ferok, Angadipuram (Mangaluru Junction, Pollachi, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli).