Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the virtual foundation stone laying for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations nationwide on August 6. The ambitious project, costing over ₹24,470 crores, targets stations spread across 27 states and union territories, with significant focus on Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and other states.
New Dehli - The Amrit Bharat Stations scheme aims to redevelop almost 1300 prime railway stations across the country, with key emphasis on integrated development as 'City Centres'. These transformed stations will feature improved passenger amenities, modern facilities, upgraded waiting rooms, free Wi-Fi, and more, all inspired by the local culture and architecture.
Addressing the development of Northeast India, PM Modi highlighted the rapid progress on railway extension, electrification, and new routes. Notably, Nagaland received its second station after a century, and the focus on freight corridors led to significant reductions in goods travel time, benefiting entrepreneurs, industrialists, and farmers.
Additionally, the government's commitment to sustainable practices is evident, with plans to produce green energy from every railway station and a vision to achieve net-zero emissions on India's railway network by 2030. LED lights have been installed in 70,000 coaches, and the number of bio-toilets in trains has increased manifold compared to 2014.
The redevelopment of these Amrit stations seeks to not only transform railway infrastructure but also create vibrant city centers that enrich the travel experience and contribute to overall urban development.