New Delhi: In a significant development towards the enhancement of railway infrastructure across India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the foundation for the comprehensive redevelopment of 508 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme on Sunday. This ambitious scheme is designed to improve passenger convenience, streamline movement, and integrate the stations harmoniously with their surroundings, emphasizing the aesthetics and functionality of various passenger amenities.
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative nature of the project, stating, “All proposed railway stations are slated for a complete overhaul, featuring expansive waiting halls, modern restrooms, state-of-the-art lifts and escalators, complimentary WiFi services, and unique ‘one station, one product’ shops aimed at promoting local goods. Additionally, the stations will boast information kiosks, executive lounges, lush gardens, and conference facilities.”
The comprehensive scheme extends beyond the station premises, aiming to establish strong linkages with adjacent areas on both sides of the stations. Ensuring accessibility for differently-abled individuals is a key objective, with an emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly construction techniques. Concepts such as roof plazas and concrete walkways have been integrated into the design, with ample provision for future expansion.
The inaugural phase of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is set to encompass the development of 21 railway stations in Telangana and 18 railway stations in Andhra Pradesh. Notable dignitaries were present at various station locations to mark this significant step in railway modernization. At the Nampally railway station, Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy and Telangana Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundarrajan ceremoniously unveiled the plaque for the Hyderabad station redevelopment project, a key facet of the scheme. A similar ceremony took place at the Karimnagar railway station, where BJP national general secretary and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar were in attendance.
In Telangana, the proposed development involves an estimated investment of Rs 894.09 crore, encompassing prominent stations such as Hyderabad (Nampally), Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Mahabubnagar, and others. Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, Governor S Abdul Nazeer presided over the unveiling of the redevelopment project at the Eluru railway station. The state’s initiative includes 18 railway stations with a total estimated investment of Rs 453.50 crore, encompassing locations such as Kurnool City, Vizianagaram, Tenali, and Tadepalligudem.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme represents a pivotal stride towards revitalizing India’s railway network, placing passenger comfort and modernization at the forefront. With Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a seamlessly connected and passenger-centric railway system, this project is anticipated to reshape the country’s rail travel experience for the better.
