PM Modi inaugurates 8 redeveloped railway stations in Rajasthan under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Synopsis
Eight Rajasthan railway stations, including a ₹140 crore Jaisalmer overhaul inspired by the Sonar Fort, were virtually inaugurated by PM Modi on 17 July under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme — part of a nationwide drive that has already modernised 75 stations blending heritage aesthetics with contemporary passenger amenities.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 8 redeveloped railway stations in Rajasthan on 17 July 2025 under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme .
The scheme has modernised 75 railway stations across India, combining upgraded amenities with regional architectural heritage.
Jaisalmer Railway Station is the largest project in the state, completed at ₹140 crore and designed to reflect the Sonar Fort aesthetic.
Other stations redeveloped include Gotan (₹20.14 crore) , Barmer (₹18 crore) , Dausa (₹15 crore) , Somesar (₹13 crore) , and Khairthal (₹12.79 crore) .
Six of the eight stations fall under North Western Railway (NWR) ; all feature lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, and disability-friendly infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 17 July virtually inaugurated eight redeveloped railway stations in Rajasthan under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, as part of a nationwide drive that has modernised 75 railway stations across India. The redevelopments aim to upgrade passenger amenities while preserving the distinct architectural and cultural heritage of each region.
The Eight Stations Inaugurated
The stations inaugurated in Rajasthan are Jaisalmer, Barmer, Dausa, Khairthal, Gotan, Somesar, Deeg, and Gangapur City. Of these, six fall under the jurisdiction of the North Western Railway (NWR), which has designated them the region's new generation of 'Amrit Stations'. Deeg and Gangapur City, while located in Rajasthan, are administered by other railway zones.
Jaisalmer: The Flagship Project
Jaisalmer Railway Station is the largest redevelopment project among the eight, completed at an estimated cost of ₹140 crore. Designed to evoke the grandeur of the historic Sonar Fort, the station features heritage-inspired façades, 10 lifts, and 10 escalators. It stands as the centrepiece of the scheme's 'Heritage as well as Development' (Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi) philosophy in the state.
Costs and Key Upgrades Across Stations
The other redeveloped stations were completed at varying outlays: Gotan at ₹20.14 crore, Barmer at ₹18 crore, Dausa at ₹15 crore, Somesar at ₹13 crore, and Khairthal at ₹12.79 crore. All stations have been equipped with modern facilities including lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, executive lounges, digital passenger information systems, and barrier-free infrastructure for persons with disabilities.
At Dausa Railway Station, the ₹15 crore redevelopment added a new waiting hall, upgraded lighting, digital coach guidance systems, improved parking, and dedicated ramps and pathways for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The station also features murals and artwork celebrating Rajasthan's cultural legacy.
Community Response and What It Signals
A public programme at Dausa Station marked the inauguration, with local public representatives, railway officials, passengers, and school students gathering to watch Modi's virtual address. This comes amid the Centre's broader push to transform India's railway stations into modern, passenger-friendly transport hubs without erasing their local identity — a model the government has described as the template for station redevelopment nationwide.
With 75 stations already modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the programme is expected to expand further, with more stations across India's railway network slated for similar upgrades in the coming phases.
Point of View
However, is operational: whether the lifts work, the Wi-Fi holds, and the disability infrastructure is maintained years after the ribbon-cutting. India has a long history of showcase infrastructure that degrades rapidly without sustained upkeep budgets. With 75 stations done and more in the pipeline, the Centre must now publish a maintenance accountability framework — or risk these 'Amrit Stations' becoming a cautionary tale rather than a model.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a Central government initiative to modernise railway stations across India with upgraded passenger amenities while preserving regional architectural and cultural heritage. Under the scheme, 75 stations have already been redeveloped, with more phases planned.
Which eight railway stations in Rajasthan were inaugurated by PM Modi?
The eight stations are Jaisalmer, Barmer, Dausa, Khairthal, Gotan, Somesar, Deeg, and Gangapur City. Six of them fall under the North Western Railway (NWR), while Deeg and Gangapur City are administered by other railway zones.
How much did the Jaisalmer Railway Station redevelopment cost?
The Jaisalmer Railway Station redevelopment was completed at an estimated cost of ₹140 crore, making it the largest such project in Rajasthan under the scheme. It is designed to reflect the architecture of the historic Sonar Fort, with 10 lifts and 10 escalators.
What facilities have been added at the redeveloped stations?
All redeveloped stations now feature lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, executive lounges, digital passenger information systems, improved waiting areas, and barrier-free infrastructure for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Stations like Dausa also incorporate murals and artwork reflecting Rajasthan's cultural heritage.
How many railway stations has the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme modernised so far?
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has modernised 75 railway stations across India as of the 17 July 2025 inauguration. The programme is expected to expand with more stations slated for redevelopment in subsequent phases.
