Lok Sabha Question No. 4251 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-18
Subject: ABSS in Mumbai-Gujarat Belt of Western Railway
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4251 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026

## ABSS IN MUMBAI-GUJARAT BELT OF WESTERN RAILWAY

## †4251. SHRI PATEL UMESHBHAI BABUBHAI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the reasons for the abnormal increase in the initial sanctioned cost, revised cost and actual expenditure of the stations being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in the MumbaiGujarat belt of Western Railway;
- (b) whether any inquiry into this cost escalation has been conducted by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Comptroller and Auditor General  (CAG)/any  other  independent  agency  and  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (c) whether it is a fact that crucial contracts (such as for FOBS, CCTVs and  Signalling)  in  Western  Railways  have  been  awarded  only  to select groups of contractors during the last five years and if so, the details of the complaints  received regarding  restrictive tender eligibility conditions and limited competition;
- (d) whether any vigilance inquiry has been conducted in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  the  number  of  cases  that  have  come  to  light  in  Western  Railway regarding  payments  made  without  completion  of  work  along  with

designations  of  the  officials  involved  and  the  disciplinary  action taken against them?

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ANSWER ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e) Modernisation / Upgradation of stations on Indian Railways is a continuous and ongoing process and works in this regard are undertaken as per requirement, subject to inter-se priority and availability of funds. Development / redevelopment / upgradation / modernisation of a station is carried out based on category of station / condition / traffic handled etc.

Ministry  of  Railways  has  launched  Amrit  Bharat  Station  Scheme  for redevelopment  of  stations  with  a  long-term  approach.  The  scheme involves preparation of master plans and their implementation in phases. The redevelopment / upgradation of stations is essentially a phased and continuous process due to brownfield project challenges and handling of passengers  and  trains  without  undue  adverse  impact.  The  phasing  of projects  accordingly  may  result  in  sanctions  at  different  stages  for various  components.  The  sanctions  do  take  in  account  the  works previously executed at the stations, the presently sanctioned works etc.

Indian Railways has a well established mechanism to monitor implementation of projects including their reviews, inspection, check for quality  of  works  and  audits.  Works  are  carried  out  adhering  to  the standards  and  specifications  laid  down  in  various  codes  and  manuals. Inspections/audits/checks are carried out from time to time by various agencies/officials/multi-disciplinary teams as per laid down instructions and  actions  for  correction  including  damages  are  taken  immediately. This is a continuous and ongoing process.

Representations  /  suggestions,  both  formal  and  informal  for  Railway projects  /  works  across  the  country  are  received  on  the  basis  of demands raised by State Governments, Members of Parliament, Ministries  of  Central  Government,  elected  representatives,  Railways' own  requirements,  organizations  /  rail  users  etc.,  at  various  levels including Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Division Office etc. Receipt of such suggestions / representations is a continuous and dynamic process and  these  are  examined  and  action  as  found  feasible  and  justified  is taken from time to time.

Vigilance organisations of Western Railway and Railway Board have not received complaints regarding the issues referred in the question and no inquiry has been conducted by these units in the said projects.

Tenders  in  railway  are  floated  as  per  Railways  laid  down  provisions. Complaints  if  any,  are  investigated  and  disposed  off  as  per  guidelines and laid down procedure of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

So  far,  1338  stations  have  been  identified  for  development  under  this scheme, out of which 87 stations are located in Gujarat and 132 stations are located in Maharashtra.  The  names  of  stations  identified for development under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme  in Gujarat and Maharashtra are as following:

| State       |   No. of Stations | Name of Stations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|-------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gujarat     |                87 | Ahmedabad, Anand, Ankleshwar, Asarva, Bardoli, Bhachau, Bhaktinagar, Bhanvad, Bharuch, Bhatiya, Bhavnagar, Bhestan, Bhildi, Bilimora (NG), Bilimora Jn, Botad Jn., Chandlodia, Chorvad Road, Dabhoi Jn, Dahod, Dakor, Derol, Dhrangadhra, Dwarka, Gandhidham, Godhra Jn, Gondal, Hapa, Himmatnagar, Jam Jodhpur, Jamnagar, Jamwanthali, Junagadh, Kalol, Kanalus Jn., Karamsad, Keshod, Khambhaliya, Kim, Kosamba Jn., Lakhtar, Limbdi, Limkheda, Mahemadabad& Kheda road, Mahesana, Mahuva, Maninagar, Mithapur, Miyagam Karjan, Morbi, Nadiad, Navsari, New Bhuj, Okha, Padadhari, Palanpur, Palitana, Patan, Porbandar, Pratapnagar, Rajkot, Rajula Jn., Sabarmati (BG & MG), Sachin, Samakhiyali, Sanjan, Savarkundla, Sayan, Siddhpur, Sihor Jn., Somnath, Songadh, Surat, Surendranagar, Than, Udhna, Udvada, Umargaon Road, Unjha, Utran, Vadodara, Vapi, Vatva, |
| Maharashtra |               132 | Ahmednagar, Ajni (Nagpur), Akalkot Road, Akola, Akurdi, Amalner, Amgaon, Amravati, Andheri, Badnera, Balharshah, Bandra Terminus, Baramati, Belapur, Bhandara Road, Bhokar, Bhusawal, Borivali, Byculla, Chalisgaon, Chanda                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |

| State   | No. of Stations   | Name of Stations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|---------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|         |                   | Fort, Chandrapur, Charni Road, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Chinchpokli, Chinchwad, Dadar (CR), Dadar (WR), Dahisar, Daund, Dehu Road, Devlali, Dhamangaon, Dharangaon, Dharashiv, Dharmabad, Dhule, Diva, Dudhani, Gangakher , Godhani, Gondia, Grant Road, Hadapsar, Hatkanangale, Hazur Sahib Nanded, Himayatnagar, Hinganghat, Hingoli Deccan, Igatpuri, Jalgaon, Jalna, Jeur, Jogeshwari, Kalyan Jn, Kamptee, Kandivali, Kanjur Marg, Karad, Katol, Kedgaon, Kinwat , Kopargaon, Kurduwadi Jn, Kurla Jn, Lasalgaon, Latur, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Lonand Jn, Lonavla, Lower Parel, Malad, Malkapur, Manmad Jn, Manwath Road, Marine Lines, Matunga, Miraj Jn, Mudkhed Jn, Mumbai Central, Mumbra, Murtizapur Jn, Nagarsol, Nagpur Jn, Nandgaon, Nandura, Nandurbar, Narkher Jn, Nashik Road, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari Junction, Pachora Jn, Palghar, Pandharpur, Panvel Jn, Parbhani Jn, Parel, Parli Vaijnath, Partur, Phaltan, Prabhadevi, Pulgaon Jn, Pune Jn, Purna Jn, Raver, Rotegaon, Sainagar Shirdi, Sandhurst Road, Sangli, Satara, Savda, Selu, Sewagram, Shahad, Shegaon, Shivaji Nagar Pune, Shri |

| State   | No. of Stations   | Name of Stations                                                                                                                                                                     |
|---------|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|         |                   | Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur, Solapur, Talegaon, Thakurli, Thane, Titvala, Tumsar Road, Umri, Uruli, Vadala Road, Vidyavihar, Vikhroli, Wadsa, Wardha, Washim, Wathar |

## Completed Stations:

Development works at railway stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in Gujarat and Maharashtra have been taken up at a good pace. Details of stations completed in Gujarat and Maharashtra are as under:

| State       |   No. of stations | Name of stations                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|-------------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gujarat     |                21 | Dakor, Derol, Godhra Jn, Hapa, Jam Jodhpur, Jam Wanthali, Kanalus Jn, Karamsad, Khambhaliya, Kosamba Jn, Limbdi, Mahuva, Mithapur, Morbi, Okha, Palitana, Porbandar, Rajula Jn, Samakhiyali, Sihor Jn., Utran |
| Maharashtra |                17 | Amgaon, Baramati, Chanda Fort, Chinchpokli, Devlali, Dhule, Kedgaon, Lasalgaon, Lonand Jn, Matunga, Murtizapur Jn, Nandura, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari Junction, Parel, Savda, Shahad, Vadala Road    |

The activities for development at other stations have also been taken up at good pace and progress of some of the stations is as given below:

## Gujarat:

-  Himmatnagar station: The works of new station building, improvement  of  existing station building, water  booth,  toilet, circulating  area,  parking  and  12  m  Foot  Over  Bridge  have  been taken up.
-  Dahod  station:  The  works  of  improvement  of  station  building, porch, platform surfacing of platform no. 1, improvement of booking counter, waiting hall, waiting room, pay and use toilet, circulating area, entry/exit gate and signages have been completed. The work of 12 m Foot Over Bridge has been taken up.
-  Limkheda  station:  The  works  of  new  station  building,  raising  of platform  no.  1  &  2,  improvement  of  platform  surface,  toilet  at platform no. 1 & 2/3, improvement of circulating area and entry/exit gate  have  been  completed.  The  works  of  signages  and  6  m  Foot Over Bridge have been taken up.
-  Asarva  station:  The  works  of  new  station  building,  porch,  new waiting room, booking counter and toilet block have been completed. The works of new platform shelter, platform surfacing, circulating area, parking, Divyangjan facilities and finishing work of concourse area have been taken up.

## Maharashtra:

-  Palghar station: The works of new platform shelter at platform no. 2/3, platform surfacing, new coping blocks and tactile tile work at platform no. 4 have been completed. The works of utility shifting and 12 m Foot Over Bridge have been taken up.
-  Diva station: The  works  of  improvement  of  station building, circulating area and parking on East side, new entry gate, platform raising and flooring of platform no. 5/6 and 7/8, platform shelter at platform no. 7/8, new toilet block, sewage treatment plant on West side, improvement of Foot Over Bridge at Kalyan end and Mumbai end have been completed. The work of new 6 m Foot Over Bridge has been taken up.
-  Mumbra station:  The  works  for  improvement  of  platform  surface, seating  arrangement,  new  toilet  block,  improvement  of  booking office,  circulating  area,  sewage  treatment  plant  and  flooring  of Foot Over Bridge have been completed. The work of escalator has been taken up.
-  Titwala  station:  The  works  for  station  building,  entrance  gate, platform  surfacing,  improvement  of  ticket  booking  office,  toilet block,  sewage  treatment  plant,  improvement  of  two  wheeler parking  and  approach  road  on  East  and  West  side  have  been completed. The work of new 6 m Foot Over Bridge has been taken
- up.

## Master plans include the following:

-  Improvement of access to station and circulating areas
-  Integration of station with both sides of city
-  Improvement of station building
-  Improvement of waiting halls, toilets, sitting arrangement, water booths
-  Provision of wider foot over bridge/air concourse commensurate with passenger traffic
-  Provision of lift/escalators/ramp
-  Improvement /Provision of platform surface and cover over platforms
-  Provision of kiosks for local products through schemes like 'One Station One Product'
-  Parking areas, Multimodal integration
-  Amenities for Divyangjans
-  Better passenger information systems
-  Provision of executive lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping, etc. keeping in view the necessity at each station.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme also envisages sustainable and environment friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks etc. as per necessity,  phasing  and  feasibility  and  creation  of  city  centre  at  the station in the long term.

Development  /  Upgradation  of  railway  stations  is  complex  in  nature involving  safety  of  passengers  &  trains  and  requires  various  statutory clearances such as fire clearance, heritage, tree cutting, airport clearance etc. The progress also gets affected due to brownfield related challenges  such  as  shifting  of  utilities  (involving  water/sewage  lines, optical fibre cables, gas pipe lines, power/signal cables, etc.), infringements, operation of trains without hindering passenger movement,  speed  restrictions due to works  carried out in close proximity of tracks and high voltage power lines, etc. and these factors affect the completion time.

Development  /  Upgradation  /  Modernization  of  stations  including  Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is generally funded under Plan Head-53 'Customer  Amenities'.  The  details  of  allocation  and  expenditure  under Plan Head-53 are maintained Zonal Railway-wise and not work-wise or station-wise or state-wise.

Gujarat is covered under the jurisdiction of two railway zones, namely, North  Western  Railway  and  Western  Railway.  For  these  zones,  an allocation of ₹ 2,081 crore has been made for the financial year 2025-26, out of which an expenditure of ₹ 2,089 crore (up to February, 2026) has been incurred so far.

Maharashtra  is  covered  under  the  jurisdiction  of  four  railway  zones, namely,  Central  Railway,  South  Central  Railway,  South  East  Central Railway and Western Railway. For these zones, an allocation of ₹ 3,834 crore  has  been  made  for  the  financial  year  2025-26,  out  of  which  an expenditure (up to February, 2026) of ₹ 3,886 crore has been incurred so far.

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