Modernizing India’s Railways: PM Modi to Lay Foundation for Redevelopment of 508 Stations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to virtually lay the foundation stone for the ambitious redevelopment project of 508 railway stations across India on August 6. Under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, this massive undertaking aims to enhance passenger amenities and modernize the railway infrastructure, marking a significant step towards the improvement of the country’s transportation system.

Indian Railways is a vital part of India’s transportation infrastructure, constituting one of the largest and busiest railway networks in the world. Millions of people rely on this extensive railway system daily, connecting thousands of towns and cities across the nation.

For the initial phase of redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, 508 out of a total of 1,309 stations have been selected. These stations are located in 10 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. The ongoing construction work at 24 stations in these states has a budget of ₹11,136 crore.

Highlighting the upgradation of passenger amenities as the main focus of the government, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday (4 August) said “Our Prime Minister is personally monitoring the progress of the Railways from time to time”.

“He has given excellent inputs on the design of stations and he would be laying foundation stones for 508 stations on Sunday,” Vaishnaw added.

Among the 24 stations currently undergoing revamp, several have received substantial allocations. The iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus, a UNESCO world heritage site, has been allocated ₹1,813 crore for redevelopment. Additionally, Surat station in Gujarat is receiving a ₹980 crore facelift, and Chennai Egmore station in Tamil Nadu is estimated to cost ₹842 crore for its development.

Revamping some of these stations has come with its challenges. Approximately 25% to 30% of the stations in the scheme are facing difficulties in the redevelopment process. For instance, Kerala’s Ernakulam station faces constraints due to constructions on both sides of the tracks, leaving limited space for expansion. The Sabarmati station in Gujarat requires multi-modal transport connectivity, as it plays a crucial role in the upcoming bullet train project.

To enhance passenger experience, the redevelopment scheme proposes wider rooftop plazas instead of conventional foot over bridges. These spacious areas will provide passengers with comfortable waiting zones, allowing them to rest and recuperate while awaiting their trains.

Moreover, the revamped stations will also showcase the grandeur of India, its art, and rich cultural heritage. The inclusion of lifts, escalators, concourses, waiting rooms, and modern retail areas will further benefit the passengers. Adequate arrangements will also be made for the arrival and departure of passengers and vehicle parking, making the entire travel experience seamless and convenient.