Panel Urges Faster Revamp Of 1,337 Stations Under Amrit Bharat

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways has urged the Railway Ministry to speed up the modernisation of 1,337 railway stations identified under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and ensure their timely completion through regular monitoring.

In its second report on action taken by the government on the recommendations made in the Committee’s first report on Railway Ministry’s Demands for Grants (2024-25), tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday, the panel highlighted the need for urgent progress on station redevelopment to enhance passenger amenities and infrastructure.

The Committee acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts to boost revenue through premium trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat, as well as through rationalised flexi-fare schemes and initiatives to expand freight and non-fare revenue. However, it noted that Indian Railways continues to face pressure on net revenue and recommended a comprehensive strategy to address this.

To improve its financial position, the Committee suggested Indian Railways adopt dynamic pricing for AC and premium trains, conduct regular reviews of the flexi-fare system based on demand trends, and increase non-fare earnings through expanded e-auctions, advertising, and commercial use of railway land and assets.

At the same time, the panel stressed that Indian Railways should balance its social obligations by continuing targeted subsidies for non-AC and suburban services to protect low-income passengers. It also advised the Railways to improve operational efficiency by accelerating electrification and adopting energy-efficient technologies.

Highlighting the need for private investment, the Committee called on the Ministry to be more ambitious in attracting private sector participation and set higher targets for public-private partnership projects in railway infrastructure to reduce reliance on government funding.

It also urged the Ministry to explore more PPP opportunities for station redevelopment and incentivise private involvement, especially for stations in underdeveloped and rural areas.

On the issue of dedicated freight corridors, the Committee noted that while Detailed Project Reports for the East-Coast, East-West, and North-South sub-corridors have been prepared, none have been sanctioned so far. It asked the Ministry to fast-track assessments of traffic potential, feasibility, and financial viability to ensure these corridors are launched without delay.

The Committee also emphasised the need to complete pending portions of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor within the agreed timeline and avoid any further extensions.

The first report of the Committee, containing 14 observations and recommendations, was presented to the Lok Sabha and laid in the Rajya Sabha in December 2024. The Ministry of Railways submitted its responses in February 2025, which were reviewed and included in the second report.

(With inputs from PTI.)