Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 17 July virtually inaugurated three redeveloped Amrit Bharat Stations in Assam and West Bengal under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), as part of the Centre's ongoing push to modernise railway infrastructure across the northeastern region. The three stations were dedicated to the nation at a cumulative redevelopment cost of approximately ₹71 crore.

The Three Stations Inaugurated

The stations brought under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) are Majbat in the Rangiya Division of Assam, Jalpaiguri Road in the Alipurduar Division of West Bengal, and Haldibari in the Katihar Division of West Bengal. These three are among 75 stations inaugurated nationwide on the same day, making it a landmark event in the national rollout of the scheme.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma described the event as 'a momentous occasion for the states and the Northeast region,' noting that the redevelopment is expected to significantly enhance passenger convenience and act as a catalyst for socio-economic development in the surrounding areas.

Key Dignitaries at the Inaugural Ceremonies

At Majbat Railway Station, the function was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Assam ministers, and other dignitaries. NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava and senior railway officials also participated on behalf of the zone.

At Jalpaiguri Road Railway Station, the ceremony was graced by Union Minister of State for Education and Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal Minister Arjun Singh, and several Members of Parliament. At Haldibari Railway Station, Lok Sabha member from Jalpaiguri Jayanta Kumar Roy attended alongside senior officials of the Katihar Division and NFR.

Modern Amenities and Divyangjan-Friendly Features

The redeveloped stations are equipped with modern station buildings and upgraded passenger amenities, including Divyangjan-friendly facilities — making them safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for all travellers. According to the NFR CPRO, the modernised stations are also expected to strengthen regional connectivity, promote tourism and trade, and support long-term economic growth in the areas they serve.

India's First Hydrogen Train Also Flagged Off

Separately on the same day, Prime Minister Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train on the Jind–Sonipat route. Themed as the 'NaMo Green Rail', the train marks a significant step in India's transition toward clean and sustainable transportation — broadening the scope of Friday's railway push well beyond the Northeast.

About NFR's Regional Footprint

The Northeast Frontier Railway, headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar. The inauguration of these three stations reinforces the Centre's focus on bridging infrastructure gaps in India's eastern and northeastern corridors, where rail connectivity has historically lagged behind other regions.