Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone of, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation more than 2,000 railway infrastructure-related projects estimated to be worth Rs 41,000 crore virtually on Monday, February 26.

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The projects include the redevelopment of 553 railway stations at a cost of more than Rs 19,000 crore under the second phase of the government’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at the comprehensive development of stations across the country’s railway network, and the inauguration of the Gomti Nagar Railway Station, redeveloped at a cost of Rs 385 crore, in Uttar Pradesh.

Here are 10 things to know:

PM Modi is scheduled commence the video conferencing at 12:30 pm, as announced in a tweet on microblogging site X (earlier known as Twitter), adhering to the prevailing safety protocols amidst the ongoing pandemic.

  1. The 553 railway stations, spread across 27 states and Union Territories, will be redeveloped at a cost of over Rs. 19,000 crore, according to an official statement. The Prime Minister has time and again emphasised the importance of providing world class amenities at railway stations.
  2. These stations will act as ‘city centres’ integrating both sides of the city, and will be equipped with modern passenger amenities such as roof plazas, beautiful landscaping, inter-modal connectivity, improved modern façade, play areas for children, kiosks and food courts.
  3. The railway stations will be redeveloped to make them environment-friendly and “divyang-friendly” (handicapped-friendly), according to the statement.
  4. The design of these station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture.
  5. The Gomti Nagar station in Uttar Pradesh has been redeveloped at a total cost of around Rs 385 crore.
  6. The Gomti Nagar station has segregated arrival and departure facilities, to cater to the increased future passenger footfall.
  7. The station integrates both sides of the city.
  8. This centrally air-conditioned station has modern passenger amenities such as Air Concourse, congestion free circulation, food courts and ample parking space in the upper and lower basements.
  9. The 1,500 road over bridges and underpasses are spread across 24 states and Union Territories, at a project cost of around Rs 21,520 crores.
  10. These projects will reduce congestion, enhance safety and connectivity, improve capacity, and efficiency of rail travel.