New Delhi (Agency): India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has recently inaugurated the redevelopment plan for a whopping 508 railway stations across India. This took place through a virtual event, demonstrating the vast scope of this ambitious project.
Spanning 27 different states and union territories, the plan aims to modernize stations and provide an improved travel experience for passengers. To get an idea of the spread, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan will each have 55 stations upgraded, followed by 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, and so on. These stations vary in numbers with states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu each having 18 stations set for redevelopment, while Haryana has 15, and Karnataka sees 13 of its stations included in the list.
What’s more, the project isn’t just about increasing the number of platforms or adding new tracks. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared that the cost of the redevelopment is estimated at Rs 24,470 crore. One of the highlights of this redevelopment is the enhanced passenger amenities. Along with this, special care will be taken to ensure smooth traffic flow, efficient connectivity between different modes of transport, and easily understandable signs to guide the passengers.
But there’s a cultural touch to it as well. The station buildings will be “inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture”, making each station not just a travel hub, but also a reflection of its local community.
The drive towards enhancing railway infrastructure isn’t something new for PM Modi. The PMO emphasized that he has always stressed the importance of state-of-the-art public transport, with railways being a top choice for many Indians. Reflecting this commitment to the railways, the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ was introduced. Under this scheme, a total of 1,309 stations will see a makeover. The recent foundation stone laid by the prime minister is for the redevelopment of 508 out of these stations.
In essence, this massive project is a nod to the significance of railways in India, promising better facilities for passengers and ensuring that every journey is a blend of comfort, efficiency, and cultural richness.
