Bhopal, May 22 (NationPress) In a significant enhancement to its railway infrastructure, Madhya Pradesh saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurate six revamped railway stations as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) on Thursday.

This initiative is a crucial element of a broader effort to modernize Indian Railways, ensuring world-class facilities and upgrades that reflect local needs and cultural significance. The stations inaugurated under ABSS include Shajapur, Narmadapuram, Katni South, Shridham, Seoni, and Orchha.

At the Narmadapuram event, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav celebrated the unveiling of the newly redeveloped station alongside Union Minister Rakesh Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Maya Narolia, MP Darshan Singh Choudhary, and former Assembly Speaker Sitasharan Sharma. Yadav described the upgrades as a “transformational moment” for the local community.

The redeveloped station now boasts a new 12-meter footbridge, a VIP lounge, a contemporary waiting area, and water facilities, all aimed at improving the daily commute for numerous passengers. Residents expressed their gratitude for the initiative, with many commending the Modi administration for providing a long-awaited renovation.

In Shajapur, a vibrant atmosphere emerged as citizens and leaders gathered at the station in a tricolor rally. With an investment exceeding Rs 13 crore, the revamped station features a new foot overbridge, covered platforms, high-mast lighting, and specialized facilities for differently-abled individuals. Its modern exterior also highlights local folk art and cultural designs, harmonizing tradition with innovation.

The event included notable figures such as MP Mahendra Singh Solanki, local legislators, and the Bhopal Zone DRM.

Local traveler Satish Rathore shared with IANS, “This is a commendable initiative by PM Modi. Facilities like these truly enhance the travel experience.”

Katni also celebrated the grand unveiling of the newly modernized Katni South Railway Station, completed with a budget of Rs 12.88 crore. The ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla and Khajuraho MP VD Sharma, both lauding the Prime Minister’s vision for advancing Indian Railways.

Sharma noted, “Today, PM Modi inaugurated 103 stations nationwide out of 1,300 planned. We are grateful for this transformative initiative.”

The Katni South station features an enhanced passenger terminal, improved circulation space, and digital amenities.

Passengers expressed their satisfaction with the new upgrades.

First-time visitor Tamanna remarked, “I’m thrilled with the amenities. They are truly exceptional.”

Another commuter, Jiten, stated, “This station has seen remarkable improvements. Everything is clean, modern, and traveler-friendly.”

The residents of Seoni also received a significant upgrade with the inauguration of their redeveloped railway station under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, conducted virtually by Prime Minister Modi on Thursday.

Seoni, which historically operated a narrow-gauge railway line since independence, saw this line decommissioned in 2015 for a broad-gauge upgrade. While the gauge conversion was completed last year, the station's redevelopment was only finalized today.

This new chapter in the district’s railway connectivity is marked by the completion of Seoni station, which features a unique Mowgli-inspired design, honoring Seoni’s cultural link as the birthplace of the famous Jungle Book character. The station's architecture incorporates themed elements, with decorative gates enhancing its visual character.

The inauguration was attended by Balaghat MP Bharti Pardhi, former MP Dhal Singh Bisen, MLA Dinesh Rai Munmun, former MLA Naresh Diwakar, and numerous dignitaries who joined local residents to witness the Prime Minister's virtual launch.

The station renovations across Madhya Pradesh are part of a larger nationwide initiative, with 103 railway stations in 86 districts of 18 states and Union Territories inaugurated today. The ABSS is a long-term infrastructure project aimed at modernizing over 1,300 railway stations nationwide, transforming them into modern transport hubs that reflect regional architectural styles and are equipped with cutting-edge facilities.

The total investment for the redevelopment of these 103 stations is projected to be around Rs 1,100 crore. These stations span various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and others, marking it as one of the most extensive railway upgrade endeavors in Indian history.

The ABSS is focused not only on physical infrastructure but also on passenger comfort and accessibility. Enhancements such as rooftop plazas, food courts, digital display boards, inter-modal connectivity, and designs accommodating Divyangjan are becoming standard features of these upgrades.