IN a move that will make train travel a better experience, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across the country, via videoconferencing on August 6. The ambitious project, costing over Rs 24,470 crore, includes stations across 27 states and Union Territories.
Among the stations to be redeveloped are 55 each in Uttar Pradesh and 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 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana, 13 in Karnataka, among others.
While throwing open the door to their development, the Prime Minister said that about 1,300 prime railway stations in the country will now be modernised as ‘Amrit Bharat Stations’.
Pride in heritage
“These Amrit Bharat Railway Stations will be a symbol of taking pride in one’s heritage and instill pride in every citizen”, he said. The foundation stone that the Prime Minister laid on August 6 was part of this ambitious upgradation and modernisation scheme.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched to redevelop altogether 1,309 stations nationwide. This was an offshoot from the Prime Minister’s observation that laid stress on the provision of state-of-the-art public transport.
Noting that the Railways is the preferred mode of transport for people across the country, he had emphasised the importance of providing world-class amenities at railway stations.
Master Plans are being prepared for the development of these stations as ‘city centres’, with proper integration of both sides of the city. This integrated approach is driven by the holistic vision of the overall urban development of the city, centred round the railway station.
Modern amenities
The redevelopment will provide passengers with modern amenities along with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and signage for their guidance. The design of the station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage, and architecture.
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister remarked that the New India, which is fast moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, is on the onset of Amrit Kaal. “There is new energy, new inspirations, and new resolutions”, he said.
He added that 55 Amrit Stations each will be developed at an approximate cost of Rs 4,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh and in Rajasthan, while 34 stations in Madhya Pradesh will cost around Rs 1,000 crores.
About Rs 1,500 crore will be incurred in redeveloping 44 stations in Maharashtra, while prime railway stations in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala will be redeveloped with somewhat similar estimates.
Nation’s lifeline
The Prime Minister referred to the Railways status as the lifeline of the country. He said along with this, the identity of the cities is also linked with the railway stations which have become the heart of the city with the passing of time. This has made it imperative to provide a modern form to the stations.
The modernisation of so many stations will create a new atmosphere for the development in the country as they will create a good first impression among the visitors, he said. Upgraded stations will not only increase tourism but will also give a push to economic activities in the nearby areas. He said the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme will help the artisans and also help in the branding of the district.
