Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: PM Modi to virtually inaugurate 75 stations, Jaisalmer gets ₹140 crore makeover
Synopsis
PM Modi is set to virtually inaugurate 75 Amrit Bharat railway stations across 20 states on 16 July — one of the world's largest single-day station redevelopment rollouts at ₹1,570 crore. Jaisalmer's ₹140 crore upgrade, anchored in the 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' philosophy, signals Indian Railways' ambition to blend heritage aesthetics with modern passenger infrastructure at scale.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi will virtually inaugurate 75 Amrit Bharat stations across 20 states on 16 July .
Jaisalmer Railway Station has been redeveloped at a cost of nearly ₹140 crore .
New amenities include an AC waiting hall , a dormitory with 16 beds and 7 rooms , and shelters on all 3 platforms .
All 75 stations were redeveloped at a combined cost of approximately ₹1,570 crore .
Stations follow the 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' design philosophy, blending local heritage with modern infrastructure.
India's first Hydrogen train is also being launched by PM Modi during the same visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat railway stations across 20 states on Friday, 16 July, during his day-long visit to Haryana and Punjab. Among the stations being unveiled is the fully revamped Jaisalmer Railway Station in Rajasthan, redeveloped at a cost of nearly ₹140 crore under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Jaisalmer Ceremony Details
The local inauguration at Jaisalmer Railway Station has been scheduled for 2:30 pm — an hour before the Prime Minister's virtual event. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend as chief guest, alongside Jaisalmer MLA Chhotu Singh Bhati, BJP District President Dalpatram Hingra, BJP City President Arun Purohit, and other public representatives and railway officials.
Modern Amenities at Jaisalmer Station
Senior Divisional Commerce Manager Hitesh Yadav said the station has been equipped with a range of passenger-centric upgrades. 'The station has been equipped with modern passenger amenities, including an air-conditioned waiting hall, a dormitory with 16 beds and seven rooms, end-to-end shelters on all three platforms, and improved passenger facilities,' he said.
A pit line has also been completed, enabling in-station train maintenance operations to commence. Outsourced parking and waiting room services are now in place, addressing longstanding inconveniences for travellers, according to Yadav.
Scale of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The inauguration of 75 Amrit Bharat Stations across 20 states marks a significant milestone in what is described as one of the world's largest station redevelopment programmes. The 75 stations have been redeveloped at a combined cost of approximately ₹1,570 crore.
Redeveloped under the guiding philosophy of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' (Heritage as well as Development), the stations incorporate architectural elements that reflect local culture and heritage. This dual emphasis on modernity and regional identity is central to the scheme's design mandate.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Officials expect the modernisation of Jaisalmer Station to provide fresh impetus to the region's tourism sector — a critical economic driver for the desert city — while also stimulating local trade, employment, and broader regional economic activity. Jaisalmer draws significant domestic and international tourist footfall annually, and an upgraded rail gateway is expected to ease access and improve visitor experience.
Notably, PM Modi is also set to launch India's first Hydrogen train during the same visit, marking another milestone in the country's green mobility agenda. With 75 stations simultaneously going live and a hydrogen-powered rail debut, Friday's events represent one of the Indian Railways' most ambitious single-day rollouts in recent years.
Point of View
But the deeper question is whether the 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' philosophy translates into sustained passenger experience or remains a facade upgrade. Jaisalmer's ₹140 crore spend on a station serving a tourist-heavy but low-frequency route raises legitimate questions about return on investment and prioritisation. The real metric will be post-inauguration footfall data and whether the pit-line and dormitory facilities are operationally staffed — not just inaugurated. With India's first Hydrogen train also launching the same day, the government is clearly framing this as a green-and-grand-infrastructure moment ahead of electoral cycles.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is one of the world's largest railway station redevelopment programmes, aimed at transforming Indian railway stations into modern, passenger-friendly hubs while reflecting local culture and heritage. The scheme follows the philosophy of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi' — balancing heritage with development.
How many stations is PM Modi inaugurating on 16 July?
PM Modi will virtually inaugurate 75 redeveloped Amrit Bharat stations across 20 states on 16 July. The combined redevelopment cost for these 75 stations is approximately ₹1,570 crore.
How much did the Jaisalmer railway station redevelopment cost?
The Jaisalmer Railway Station has been redeveloped at a cost of nearly ₹140 crore. The upgrades include an air-conditioned waiting hall, a 16-bed dormitory with seven rooms, end-to-end platform shelters, a pit line for train maintenance, and outsourced parking and waiting room services.
Who will attend the Jaisalmer inauguration ceremony?
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will attend as chief guest. He will be joined by Jaisalmer MLA Chhotu Singh Bhati, BJP District President Dalpatram Hingra, BJP City President Arun Purohit, and other public representatives and railway officials.
What is India's first Hydrogen train and when is it being launched?
India's first Hydrogen train is a green-energy rail initiative being launched by PM Modi on the same day — 16 July — during his visit to Haryana and Punjab. It marks a significant step in Indian Railways' push toward sustainable, low-emission mobility.
