Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone in railway infrastructure by laying the foundation stone and inaugurating over 2000 projects worth Rs. 41,000 crores. The momentous Viksit Bharat Viksit Railways event drew participation from lakhs across 500 railway stations and 1500 venues.
Image Credit (representational): North Central Railway
More Details:
The Prime Minister has emphasised the importance of providing world class amenities at railway stations. In a major step in this endeavour, he laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of 553 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These stations, spread across 27 States and Union Territories, will be redeveloped at a cost of over Rs. 19,000 crores.
Image Credit (representational): South Central Railway
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. They will be redeveloped as environment friendly and also Divyang friendly. The design of these station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture.
Gomti Nagar Station:
- 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.
Image Credit (representational): MoR
- 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.
Image Credit (representational): MoR
ROBs and Underpasses:
- The PM also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation 1500 Road Over Bridges and Underpasses.
Image Credit: South Central Railway
- These Road Over Bridges and Underpasses spread across 24 States and Union Territories, the total cost of these projects is around Rs 21,520 crores.
- These projects will reduce congestion, enhance safety and connectivity, improve capacity, and efficiency of rail travel.
Image Credit: South Central Railway
Projects Significance and Impacts:
The development projects of today will create employment and self-employment opportunities for lakhs of youth, while also benefit those studying in schools. The upcoming Amrit Bharat Stations will be symbols of both Vikas and Virasat. He informed that Baleshwar Station in Odisha is designed on the theme of Bhagwan Jagannath Temple and Sikkim’s Rangpur will carry the imprint of local architecture.
Sangner station in Rajasthan displays 16th-century hand-block printing, the station at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu will display Chola influence and Ahmedabad Station is inspired by Modhera Surya Mandir, Dwarka Station is inspired by the Dwarkadheesh Temple, IT City Gurugram station will carry the IT theme, meaning “Amrit Bharat Station will introduce the specialities of that city to the world.” These stations will be Divyang and senior citizen-friendly.
The creation of a Viksit Bharat, especially in railways where the change is apparent. The facilities which were once far-fetched have now become a reality and gave the example of Modernised Semi High-Speed trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, NaMo Bharat, the fast pace of electrification of rail lines, and cleanliness inside trains and on the station platforms. Now unmanned gates were commonplace in Indian Railways whereas overbridges and underbridges have ensured uninterrupted and accident-free movement.
Image Credit: Eastern Railway
Indian Railways is not just a passenger facility but is also the biggest carrier of India’s agricultural and industrial progress. Noting that a faster train will save more time in transportation while also reducing industry costs. Hence, giving impetus to Make in India and Atma Nirbhar India. Crediting India’s modern infrastructure, the nation is the most attractive place for investment all over the world. The capacity of Indian Railways will increase when these thousands of stations are modernised, bringing a revolution of huge investment.
PM Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat resonates in the rapid modernization of Indian Railways, heralding a new era of progress and prosperity.
Source: PIB- Press Release | Featured Image Credit: MoR
