Railways laying a heritage track that links old and new

Sub : History

Sec: Art and culture

Context:

The Indian Railways is undertaking an ambitious under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to revamp 1,337 railway stations, including 30 heritage structures.
These heritage stations, which are part of a larger pool of 79 stations classified as “heritage,” include iconic ones such as Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Jaipur Railway Station, Chennai’s Egmore Station, and smaller ones like Ballari and Coonoor.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme:

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is an ambitious initiative launched by the Indian Railways to renovate and modernize railway stations across the country.
The scheme aims to enhance passenger amenities while preserving the heritage value of historically significant stations.
A total of 1,337 railway stations have been shortlisted for a makeover, including 30 heritage structures that are among the most iconic railway stations in India.
Heritage preservation is a priority, with plans to restore facades using techniques like sandblasting and waterproofing at stations like Ballari and Coonoor.

Heritage Railway Stations:

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai	A UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 1870s. Architectural Style: A blend of traditional Indian palace architecture and Victorian Gothic.
Egmore Railway Station, Chennai	The station was built in 1906–1908 as the terminus of the South Indian Railway Company. Architectural Style: Indo-Saracenic, a style that incorporates elements of Mughal, Indian, and British designs.
Jaipur Railway Station	Jaipur railway station was built in 1875. Architectural Style: Traditional Rajasthani Palace-like, with arched facades. Includes intricate jaali work.
Coonoor Railway Station, Tamil Nadu	The station, over 125 years old, remains largely unchanged and is a relic of colonial history. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railways.