Only about 19% of the railway stations targetted for development under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) have seen completion in the last three and a half years, a reply to an unstarred question in Rajya Sabha has revealed.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Karnataka, Mansoor Ali Khan, in response to his question in the House on Friday (August 7, 2026) that 12 out of 61 stations identified in Karnataka and 261 out of 1,340 stations across the country identified for development under ABSS, have seen work completion as on date. The figures roughly translate to about 19%.

Mr. Khan, in a statement, said that while investment in railway infrastructure was essential, the projects would ultimately be judged by completed outcomes rather than repeated announcements or ceremonial foundation-laying events. The reply, he said, has revealed that the implementation of ABSS has progressed at a much slower pace than projected. Works were said to be under progress at different stages in the remaining stations despite the scheme being announced in December 2022.

The MP said, “Over the past three years, the public has repeatedly witnessed announcements and foundation-laying ceremonies for station redevelopment. However, the latest figures placed before Parliament indicate that actual project completion remains far behind the ambitious targets that were publicised.”

The list of completed stations in Karnataka includes Alnavar, Badami, Bagalkot, Bantwal, Dharwad, Gadag, Gokak Road, Hosapete, Koppal, Munirabad, Ranibennur and Subrahmanya Road.

Lacks transparency

Mr. Khan further said the reply also raises serious concerns about transparency. Despite specific questions seeking station-wise project costs, contract award dates and year-wise progress of completed stations, the Ministry did not furnish this information. The absence of these details makes it difficult for the Parliament and the public to independently evaluate the pace of implementation, expenditure and overall performance of the scheme.

The reply highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in ABSS implementation, particularly in States like Karnataka, where the majority of promised station redevelopment projects remain unfinished.

Delay explained

The Minister noted that development works under ABSS were complex in nature, involving safety of passengers and trains. They also require various statutory clearances, including tree cutting, heritage, fire and airport clearance etc.

As the identified stations were already operational, brownfield work challenges were being faced, including shifting of utilities, infringements, train operation without hindering passengers movement, speed restrictions as works were being taken up close to the tracks and near high-voltage lines etc.

These factors affect the progress of work and completion time, Mr. Vaishnaw said, justifying the delay.

Published - August 08, 2026 04:52 pm IST