Railway News: The Indian Railways is undergoing a massive transformation, with the government announcing the completion of redevelopment work on 104 railway stations nationwide. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this update, outlining the ambitious “Amrit Bharat Station Scheme,” which aims to modernize and enhance 1,300 stations across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for this project in 2023, signaling a significant push to provide passengers with world-class facilities.
132 Stations in Maharashtra Under Redevelopment
Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the progress of the project, noting that many stations are nearing completion, with 132 of those located in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the scale of this redevelopment is unprecedented globally. Showing images of the ongoing work, including the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, he illustrated the commitment to creating modern travel hubs.
Must read: PQWL Meaning in Railway: Full Form, Confirmation Chances, and Travel Tips
CSMT Redevelopment Cost: ₹1,800 Crore
The redevelopment of CSMT alone is a massive undertaking, with an estimated cost of 1,800 crore rupees. Vaishnav assured that the work is proceeding rapidly, promising that the revamped British-era terminal will surpass London’s Kings Cross Station in terms of facilities and aesthetics. The project focuses on equipping stations with modern amenities like comfortable waiting lounges, food courts, clean restrooms, elevators, escalators, and digital information systems.
Key Stations in the Redevelopment Scheme
Beyond CSMT, other significant stations in Maharashtra slated for redevelopment include Dadar (Central and Western), Andheri (Mumbai), Pune, Nashik Road, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Minister also announced the approval of a 4,819 crore rupee investment for doubling the 240-kilometer Gondia-Ballarshah railway line in the Vidarbha region.
Boosting Regional Connectivity
The doubling of the Gondia-Ballarshah line is a strategic move to create a dedicated north-south corridor, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times. This project will strengthen Maharashtra’s rail links with Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, fostering regional trade and integration. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a significant step towards modernizing India’s railway infrastructure and providing passengers with a more comfortable and efficient travel experience. Sources and related content
