India is making steady progress in transforming its railway sector. The launch of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) in 2023 has further boosted the government’s vision of modernising railway infrastructure across the country. This, coupled with the robust project pipeline, presents significant opportunities for all stakeholders, including material providers, equipment manufacturers, design consultants, architects and technology solution providers. Interestingly, following the limited success of redevelopment projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, the government strategically pivoted to the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode in December 2022. This shift addressed key challenges faced under PPPs, such as pricing constraints and real estate market risks, thereby revitalising modernisation efforts while also creating opportunities for EPC players. Additionally, with train stations being targeted to be developed as city centres, there is a significant opportunity for transit-oriented development as well. To support this ambitious transition, the budgetary allocation for the railways sector is set at Rs 2,652 billion for 2025-26.
Under the ABSS programme, the government has planned the redevelopment of 1,309 stations nationwide. These are expected to have state-of-the-art facilities such as intelligent and green buildings, water conservation, elevated concourses, multi-level car parking and food courts. Multimodal transport integration, amenities for the disabled and monetisation of commercial areas around the stations are some other features. Automated systems for ticketing, security and passenger information are further expected to contribute to a seamless transit experience.
Mapping the current progress
So far, projects worth around Rs 200 billion have been awarded and the foundation stone has been laid for 553 stations. The key awarded stations include Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Prayagraj, Bangalore Cantt, Chennai Egmore and Secunderabad. Furthermore, the awards for 765 stations are pending. Of this, some of the important stations include New Delhi, Pune, Borivali, Mumbai Central, Thane and Amritsar.
As of December 2024, among the stations being taken up for redevelopment under the ABSS, Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of stations (149), followed by Maharashtra with 126 stations, West Bengal with 94 stations, Gujarat with 87 stations, Bihar with 86 stations, and Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan with 82 and 80 stations, respectively.
Six railway stations have been developed and commissioned, namely Rani Kamlapati station of West Central Railway, Gandhinagar Capital station of Western Railway, Sir M. Visveswaraya terminal station of Śouth Western Railway, the first phase of Gomti Nagar railway station of North Eastern Railway, Ayodhya railway station of Northern Railway and Cuttack railway station of East Coast Railway.
In November 2024, the Nagpur railway station redevelopment project gained momentum and made construction strides. At an estimated cost of Rs 4.87 billion, the project is being executed in various phases to ensure uninterrupted train operations and passenger comfort throughout the redevelopment process. Plans are in place for upgraded parking, modern amenities and improved facilities while maintaining the station’s historic charm. The project is anticipated to be completed by December 2025.
As of January 2025, with structural and other work on several components almost complete, the redevelopment and upgradation of the Ludhiana railway station at a cost of Rs 5.28 billion is inching fast towards completion. In addition, 90 per cent of approvals for structural works and 80 per cent of mechanical, electrical and plumbing designs have been granted so far. The structural work of the multi-level car parking had been completed. The project is expected to be completed by August 2025.
More recently, as of February 2025, around 70 per cent of the foundation work for the redevelopment of the Udaipur railway station has been completed. The station is expected to feature around 20 lifts and 26 escalators. Two foot-over bridges will be connected, along with a 4-metre-wide skywalk connecting both bridges. Currently, the station handles around 20,000 passengers and over 50 trains daily. Once the redevelopment is completed, this is expected to double to around 40,000 passengers daily. In order to reduce power dependency, a 2,000 kWp solar plant will be set up to generate electricity. A special grid substation has also been established for the same. The entire project is expected to be completed by end-2025 at an estimated cost of Rs 3.54 billion.
In the same month, the joint venture of H.G. Infra Engineering Limited and DEC Infrastructure secured the contract to redevelop the New Delhi railway station. Awarded by the Rail Land Development Authority, this project is worth Rs 21.95 billion and is expected to be completed by 2028-29. In line with the current trend of awarding, the project has been awarded under the EPC mode. This project is particularly challenging owing to congested surrounding areas on both the Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj side. However, considering this is the primary railway hub for the National Capital Region, the recent bidding that was successfully completed is a positive development.
Moving towards a customer-centric approach
In India, the primary purpose of railway stations has been to facilitate passenger and freight movement. However, with urbanisation, these stations are now being recognised as multifunctional hubs. Station redevelopment projects aim to not only enhance overall passenger infrastructure but also tap unused real estate potential.
The new Amrit stations are planned to feature various amenities, including retail spaces. These stations will have ample seating areas, keeping in mind passengers waiting for long durations. The Ayodhya station, for instance, features an entire floor dedicated to passenger facilities, including waiting rooms, dormitories, food stalls and cafeterias. Similarly, the ongoing redevelopment of the Madurai railway station includes the construction of new terminals, multi-level parking, skywalks, restaurants and dedicated spaces for retail businesses. As per a media statement, these planned services are being referred to as “airport-like” facilities.
With these developments in place, passenger circulation and movement have been completely transformed – almost all the stations are now equipped with escalators and lifts, and works are under way to make all stations disabled-friendly.
Plugging operational gaps with technology
Building on the trend of prioritising customer convenience, significant strides have been made with respect to technology. While Indian Railways (IR) has predominantly functioned on a call centre-based system, technology and automation are now assuming a much greater role in its operations. For instance, as of December 2024, Wi-Fi has been provided at 6,112 stations, and in a parallel development, IR has approved works for the provision of CCTVs at all stations, except halt stations. As part of this security initiative, CCTV cameras have already been installed at 1,051 stations.
A particularly convenient development has been the automation of the complaint section in the interactive voice system. This not only streamlines the complaint process but also allows for timely responses to passenger concerns. Building on the success of this implementation, Ubona, the technology provider for the complaint system, has recently won another award for automating the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s 14646 helpline, which will be operational in a few months, further enhancing customer service.
The way forward
Railway station redevelopment in India aims to ensure a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for all passengers. Additionally, stations are being designed with comprehensive environmental planning. Works are under way to make the existing stations green, with IR aiming to gradually become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030. Benefits from mixed-land use are also expected to translate into more amenities for customers.
The redevelopment and revamping of railway stations are expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy, resulting in increased job creation and improved economic growth.
Digitalisation has already enhanced the sector by providing more reliable, secure and safe services. Further, in order to become Aatmanirbhar, the sector must now focus
on developing indigenous technology for station redevelopment.
Given that railway operations were significantly impacted by the Covid pandemic, IR rationalised its expenses, especially the allocations towards upgrading and modernising trains. With the pandemic-related slowdown now over, and the launch of schemes focused solely on train modernisation, investments are expected to flow in, especially in the signalling and telecommunication space.
Efforts are under way to enhance the operational capabilities of both the passenger and freight segments. As this remains an ongoing process, the outlook, in terms of redevelopment, remains positive.
Harman Mangat
