Anurag Thakur hails 75 stations inaugurated under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Friday, 17 July 2026, welcomed the inauguration of 75 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the historic Jalandhar Cantt station in Punjab. Thakur, who represents the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh, specifically highlighted the redevelopment of Amb Andaura Railway Station in Una district as a landmark moment for the state's rail connectivity.
Context
Posting in Hindi on X, Thakur described the event as 'भारत रेल सेवाओं व सुविधाओं के विस्तार में महत्वपूर्ण पड़ाव' — 'an important milestone in the expansion of India's rail services and facilities.' He called the inauguration of Amb Andaura station under the scheme 'हिमाचल में रेल नेटवर्क विस्तार का ऐतिहासिक क्षण' — 'a historic moment in the expansion of the rail network in Himachal Pradesh.'
The MP expressed gratitude, on behalf of all of Himachal Pradesh, to Prime Minister Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritising railway infrastructure in the state despite its challenging terrain.
Policy Backdrop
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was announced in February 2023 with an initial list of over 500 stations earmarked for comprehensive redevelopment under an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The scheme aims to transform stations into modern city landmarks integrating improved passenger amenities, multimodal connectivity, and locally inspired architectural elements.
The initiative reflects a broader policy shift since 2014 — from piecemeal station upgrades to holistic redevelopment. The inauguration at Jalandhar Cantt, one of Punjab's historically significant rail junctions, served as the ceremonial launchpad for this tranche of 75 stations across multiple states.
Stakeholders and Impact
For Himachal Pradesh, a state whose mountainous geography has historically constrained rail expansion, the redevelopment of Amb Andaura station carries outsized significance. Thakur noted that the upgraded station would provide 'better passenger facilities, enhanced accessibility, improved infrastructure and modern amenities,' benefiting lakhs of travellers passing through the region.
The station falls within the Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, which Thakur represents, giving the inauguration both administrative and political salience for the area's residents. Railway passengers in the Una district and adjoining areas of Himachal Pradesh stand to be the primary beneficiaries of the upgraded facility.
What's Next
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is expected to roll out further tranches of inaugurations as redevelopment work on the remaining stations on the original list reaches completion. Observers will watch the next Railway Budget for fresh allocations and an expanded station list under the scheme.
Thakur framed the development as consistent with the Modi government's stated vision of 'रेल विकास से राष्ट्र विकास' — 'national development through railway development' — signalling that rail infrastructure will remain a central plank of the ruling party's governance narrative heading into future electoral cycles.