Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across the country via video conferencing under Amrit Bharat Station scheme. According to officials, the Indian Railways arranged physical functions at 508 stations, this is the largest foundation stone–laying ceremony that took place in the infrastructure space
This redevelopment of 508 stations is a part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme; this scheme aims to redevelop 1,309 stations and was approved by the cabinet last year. According to railway officials, this development project spreads across 27 states and union territories; the budget of the project is worth Rs 24,470 and will be funded directly by the center.
A statement issued by Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that the reconstruction of the stations aims to provide modern passenger facilities as well as ensure well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and well-designed signage for passenger navigation. The design of station buildings would be influenced by regional culture, heritage, and architecture, it was said.
According to the PMO, Modi has prioritized the importance of offering top-notch amenities at the railway station and has placed emphasis on offering cutting-edge public transportation.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the main goal of the ruling government is to provide the best amenities to our passengers. PM Modi is personally monitoring this project from time to time and valuable input designs were given to the prime minister.
PM Modi addresses the redeveloping of 508 stations across the country
Prime Minister Narendra Modi after laying the foundation stone across the country through video conferencing, took a dig against the opposition parties and said that “it was stuck to its old ways” and has an attitude of “na kaam karenge , na karne denge ( won’t work, won’t let work)”.
He addressed the importance of the Railways in the country and said that his goal is to make the journey more accessible and enjoyable. He also stated that the railway is linked with the lifeline of the country and the identity of the Indian city is related to its railway station.
He continued by saying that “Each Amrit Bharat Station’ will become a symbol of its city’s modern aspirations and ancient heritage’. He also says that the government is rising above negative politics and moving towards the path of positive politics and prioritizing development.
List of cities undergoing the redevelopment of stations
According to Railway Officials, of the 508 stations, there are 55 in Uttar Pradesh and one in Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab.
21 in Gujarat, 1 in Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 in Andhra Pradesh, one in Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana, and 13 in Karnataka.
These stations are among 1,309 that will be renovated as part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, which was authorized by the Cabinet last year.
What is the importance of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
The ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ is a new initiative by the Ministry of Railways; it was introduced on December 2022. The plan focuses on the long-term development of stations. The long-term master planning is done by viewing the need and demands required in the stations and will be implemented accordingly.
The Scheme aims to enhance the facilities and amenities for the betterment of the people. Roof Plazas and city-centered will be constructed at the station. It will introduce new amenities and also there will be some up gradation to existing amenities
There will be some new development & improvement at stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, like entry and exit, circulating areas, lifts/escalators/. Waiting for the hall, toilets, free wifi, and kiosks for the local product through schemes like ‘One Station One product’. There will be a better passenger information system, there will also be nominated spaces for business meetings and executive lounges also included.
