Indian Railways is upgrading passenger facilities by introducing premium waiting halls across the country. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and other initiatives, several stations are getting modernized waiting areas to make journeys more comfortable. These upgrades include AC halls and better information systems for passengers.
ℹ: Railway Overbridges: Indian Railways to build new ROBs at busy crossings across India।
Which stations will get premium waiting halls?
The Ministry of Railways announced permanent waiting halls for five major stations: New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and Ayodhya. The design for these halls is being handled by RITES Limited. Once these models are ready, the plan will be expanded to 60 other crowded stations across India.
What are the latest updates on station modernization?
Recent developments show that progress is fast on several fronts to improve the passenger experience:
| Station/Division | Update | Timeline/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Itarsi Station | Modernization of waiting halls under Amrit Bharat Scheme | Targeted for current financial year |
| Khammam Station | E-auction for premium prepaid AC waiting hall | Auction on June 29, 2026 |
| 172 Stations | Redevelopment work completed under Amrit Bharat Scheme | Completed by Feb 2026 |
| New Delhi | Implementation of AI-based train info services | Starting point for rollout |
How will these changes impact passengers?
Passengers will have access to high-quality food systems and cleaner waiting areas. In some divisions, like Moradabad, improved facilities will be provided in exchange for a fee. Additionally, Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed the implementation of AI-based improvements and entry control to enhance security and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which five stations are first getting permanent waiting halls?
New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and Ayodhya are the first five stations where permanent waiting halls will be built.
What is the role of RITES Limited in this project?
RITES Limited has been given the responsibility to design the permanent waiting halls for the selected major stations.