Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: PM Modi lays foundation stone for redevelopment of 553 railway stations, set to cost over Rs 19,000 crores

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 26, laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 553 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations, spanning 27 states and Union Territories, will undergo redevelopment at a cost of over Rs 19,000 crores, said the official PIB release.

"These stations will act as ‘City Centres’ integrating both sides of the city. They will have modern passenger amenities like roof plaza, beautiful landscaping, inter modal connectivity, improved modern façade, kids play area, kiosks, food courts, etc," the official release said.

The redevelopment will prioritize environmental and Divyang friendliness. The design of these station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage, and architecture, the release added.

During the announcement, lakhs of people connected with the Viksit Bharat Viksit Railways event from 500 railway stations and 1500 other venues.

Additionally, the PM inaugurated Gomti Nagar station in Uttar Pradesh, redeveloped at a total cost of around Rs 385 crores. "To cater to the increased future passenger footfall, this station has segregated arrival and departure facilities," according to the official release. 

"It integrates both sides of the city. This centrally air-conditioned station has modern passenger amenities like Air Concourse, congestion free circulation, food courts and ample parking space in upper and lower basement," the release added.

During the event, PM Modi specially congratulated the Yuva Shakti (youth) of India for the development project as they are the real beneficiaries of Viksit Bharat. He emphasized that these development projects will create employment and self-employment opportunities for lakhs of youth and benefit school students.

“Youth have the maximum right to decide how Viksit Bharat will unfold,” PM Modi exclaimed. He expressed gratitude towards the youth and assured that their dreams and hard work along with the Prime Minister’s resolve make for the guarantee of Viksit Bharat.

Furthermore, the PM also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation 1500 Road Over Bridges and Underpasses. These projects, spread across 24 States and Union Territories, amount to a total cost of around Rs 21,520 crores. They aim to reduce congestion, enhance safety and connectivity, and improve the capacity and efficiency of rail travel, the official release said.