The Railway Board has started a nationwide drive to remove British-era symbols and structures from railway stations. This initiative aims to showcase the pride of Atmanirbhar Bharat by replacing old colonial buildings with modern infrastructure. Work has already begun at several stations, including Nagina in Bijnor district.
Which stations are undergoing these changes?
The removal of old colonial structures is happening at multiple locations across the country. At Nagina railway station, the process started on 18 May 2026 following orders from the Railway Board. Similarly, at Dadri railway station, 150-year-old British buildings are being removed for modernization, with completion expected by June 2026. These projects are part of the larger Amrit Bharat Station Scheme launched in December 2022 to redevelop 1,275 stations.
What other colonial practices are being changed?
Beyond buildings, the Indian Railways is updating its terminology, uniforms, and systems to move away from British traditions. The changes are listed below:
| Old Practice/Symbol | New Update |
|---|---|
| Guard | Train Manager |
| ‘Your Obedient Servant’ | ‘Bhavdiya’ (भवदीय) |
| Brass Bells | Digital Information Systems |
| Bandhgala Coats | Business Suits or Indian-style white shirt-pants with indigenous ties |
| Traditional Mile Stones | Modern OHE pole-based signaling |
CPRO Shashikant Tripathi stated that the railways are moving toward the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by shedding the burden of British legacy. DRM Vinita Srivastava has instructed officials at Nagina station to ensure high-quality work without disrupting regular train operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the deadline for removing British symbols from stations?
The Railway Board has issued strict instructions to all zones to remove British-era symbols and practices by 14 May 2026.
How many stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
The scheme, launched in December 2022, aims to redevelop a total of 1,275 railway stations across India.