Did PM Modi Just Inaugurate 11 Amrit Bharat Railway Stations in MP and Chhattisgarh?

Narmadapuram, May 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an extraordinary event, virtually inaugurated 103 railway stations starting from Deshnok, a town in Rajasthan located near the Pakistan border, which signifies yet another milestone in India's infrastructural evolution.

The Prime Minister commenced the day by offering prayers at the Karni Mata temple before unveiling the revamped Deshnok railway station situated in Rajasthan's Bikaner district.

On Thursday, PM Modi also launched the Bikaner-Mumbai Express from Deshnok, laying the foundation stone and dedicating numerous development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore to the nation.

The first world-class railway station under this initiative is the Rani Kamlapati Railway station in Bhopal.

Among the newly redeveloped railway stations, five are located in Chhattisgarh, where Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai was present for the occasion.

Across the country, similar ceremonies took place with key officials and dignitaries attending at various locations, including Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka in Urkura, Raipur, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu in Bhilai, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao in Bhanupratappur, and MP Santosh Pandey from the Rajnandgaon seat in Dongargarh.

In Madhya Pradesh, six railway stations - Narmadapuram, Shridham, Katni South, Shajapur, Seoni, and Orchha - were inaugurated under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana.

Present at Narmadapuram (formerly Hoshangabad), Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reflected on the evolving landscape of India's advancement, emphasizing that Vande Bharat and Metro train coaches will soon be produced at BHEL, Bhopal.

Located 72 km from the state capital, Bhopal, Narmadapuram's railway station has been redeveloped with an investment of over Rs 26 crore, serving as a tribute to the cultural heritage of the majestic Narmada River.

Designed with a thematic essence that reflects local traditions, the station now offers various amenities for passengers, including modern ticket counters, spacious waiting areas, and improved accessibility features such as special ramps and restrooms for disabled individuals.

A newly built 12-meter-wide foot-over bridge, the widest in the Bhopal division, enhances the structural advancements.

This modernization initiative spans beyond individual stations, with over 1300 railway stations undergoing redevelopment as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi expressed his vision for India's swift infrastructural growth, highlighting the construction of dedicated freight corridors for seamless cargo transport, along with the ambitious bullet train project making significant strides. His remarks resonated with national pride, affirming that India's infrastructural feats are attracting global attention.

He referenced engineering marvels such as the Chenab Bridge in the north, the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, Atal Setu in Mumbai, and the Pamban Bridge in the south, each showcasing the nation's formidable construction capabilities. PM Modi reiterated that India is not just upgrading its railway stations but also modernizing its trains.

The Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, symbols of the country’s newfound speed and efficiency, are operational across 70 routes.

Over the last 11 years, countless road overbridges and underbridges have been constructed, alongside more than 34,000 kilometres of new rail tracks laid—an infrastructural leap that underscores the government’s commitment to progress.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has also ensured the establishment of dedicated waiting areas for women and ramps for disabled passengers, enhancing accessibility throughout the railway network. The transformation of railway stations highlights not just infrastructure improvements, but also the preservation of local heritage.

PM Modi emphasized that at the Orchha station in Madhya Pradesh, the spirit of Lord Rama will be palpable, reflecting a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.

As the modernization drive continues, the Prime Minister's message remains clear: India is setting new standards in transport infrastructure while balancing development with its rich cultural identity. Launched in 2022, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to modernize railway stations and evolve them into vibrant city centers.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the scheme adopts a comprehensive approach, customizing development plans to meet the unique needs of each station, with upgrades executed in carefully structured phases.

Under this initiative, select railway stations will feature executive lounges and designated spaces for business meetings, enhancing traveler convenience.

Additionally, local artisans and entrepreneurs will gain new opportunities through the 'One Station One Product' scheme, which will include kiosks dedicated to selling region-specific products.

Several railway stations have already seen redevelopment as part of the initial phase of this scheme. Noteworthy examples include Rani Kamlapati in Madhya Pradesh, Gandhinagar Capital in Gujarat, Sir M V Terminal in Karnataka, Ayodhya Dham in Uttar Pradesh, the first phase of Gomti Nagar railway station, and the newly developed second entrance of the Cuttack station in Odisha. These projects serve as pioneering models, shaping the broader execution of the scheme.

Data from the Railway Ministry indicates significant financial allocation toward improving passenger amenities.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, approximately Rs 8,000 crore was invested in customer-centric enhancements. The financial plan for 2024-25 set an expenditure goal of Rs 12,992 crore, while an impressive Rs 12,000 crore has been earmarked for the current fiscal year 2025-26, ensuring ongoing advancements in railway infrastructure.