Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate 75 redeveloped railway stations in 20 states across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme on July 17, via video conferencing from Jalandhar (Punjab). Developed at a cost of approximately Rs 1,570 crore, these stations are among the largest station redevelopment programs in the world. Based on the spirit of ‘Heritage as well as Development’, these stations have been redeveloped with a synergy of local culture, heritage, and modern architecture, giving each station its own unique identity. Under the West Central Railway (WCR), Beohari, Sanchi, Vidisha, Ashoknagar, and Shivpuri railway stations in Madhya Pradesh and Gangapur City Junction railway station in Rajasthan have also been modernised and are ready to serve the passengers. The redevelopment of these stations, including Beohari (Rs 20 crore), Sanchi (Rs 15 crore), Vidisha (Rs 29 crore), Ashoknagar (Rs 22 crore), Shivpuri (Rs 22 crore), and Gangapur City Junction (Rs 25 crore), has cost a total of over Rs 133 crore. Equipped with modern architecture, state-of-the-art passenger amenities, and disabled-friendly infrastructure, these stations will now be established as a symbol of regional development, tourism promotion, and a new identity of modern Indian Railways. The grand inauguration ceremonies will be held at all these redeveloped stations on July 17. The ceremony will be attended by the Governor, Chief Minister, Union Railway Minister, Union Minister of State, Union Minister, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and other public representatives, dignitaries, students, passengers, and railway officials. Cultural performances, prize distribution, and a short film screening will also be included. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will then inaugurate these stations via video conferencing.

 

The stations have been redeveloped with a focus on blending local culture and modern architecture. The new design concept has given the stations an attractive, distinctive, and cultural identity, allowing visitors to experience the historical and cultural heritage of the region at first sight. The redevelopment has modernised the station buildings and significantly expanded passenger amenities. New and spacious sheds, comfortable seating, and high-quality surfaces have been developed on the platforms. Digital passenger information systems, coach position display boards, and a state-of-the-art public address system have been installed to provide quick and accurate information to passengers. The circulating areas of station premises have been systematically developed and beautified. Parking facilities have been made more convenient. Furthermore, modern waiting rooms, clean toilets, purified drinking water, improved lighting, and other essential passenger amenities have been expanded, making travel safer, easier, and more comfortable. A 12-meter-wide modern foot over-bridge, lifts, and escalators have been installed to facilitate easy movement between platforms. Realising the concept of accessible and inclusive rail travel, these stations have been made fully disabled-friendly. Ramps, tactile paths, and other essential accessibility features have been developed. Energy-efficient LED lighting has also been installed, making station premises safe, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient. This inauguration ceremony on July 17, will be a historic and proud achievement for West Central Railway, providing a new direction to Indian Railways’ commitment to modernisation, expansion of passenger amenities, and a developed India.