PM to virtually open revamped Urkura, Bhanupratappur, Bhilai Rly stations

 

 

IN a significant boost to passenger convenience and infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the newly redeveloped Bhanupratappur, Urkura, and Bhilai railway stations (Raipur division), Dongargarh (Nagpur division) and Ambikapur (Bilaspur division) on May 22, under Indian Railways’ flagship Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The three stations-Urkura, Bhilai and Bhanupratappur, part of the South East Central Railway’s Raipur Division, have undergone comprehensive upgrades to offer a modern, safer, and more passenger-centric experience.

 

From eco-friendly structures to expanded circulation areas and enhanced Divyangjan-friendly amenities, the stations now mirror Indian Railways’ push towards world-class infrastructure. Senior Publicity Inspector (Public Relations), Raipur Division, Shiv Prasad, informed that the redevelopment works have not only enhanced the stations' aesthetic and functional aspects but also laid the groundwork for future expansion. “These stations represent a new benchmark in station infrastructure — blending sustainability with long-term development goals,” he said. The revamped Bhanupratappur station, in particular, features several passenger-friendly additions, including an aesthetic entry gate, dedicated pedestrian pathways, separate parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, ramp access with double-rail handgrips, and a selfie point near a rotating landscape.

 

Within the premises, passengers will find a concourse equipped with unreserved and reserved ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), and accessible booking windows for Divyangjan. Additional facilities include waiting rooms, modern toilets, water booths, a catering stall, and “One Station One Product” (OSOP) kiosks. Safety and surveillance have been significantly improved, with the installation of 9 IP-based CCTV cameras, a dedicated RPF post, a CCTV monitoring room, fire extinguishers, and a Help Booth managed by the on-duty station manager. Technological upgrades include display boards for train information, GPS-synced digital clocks, and enhanced public announcement systems.

 

An exclusive addition for women passengers is the “Akshita Bubble” – a dedicated waiting zone at the Keoti-end platform. Other improvements include tactile strips for visually impaired travellers, water coolers with Divyangjan-friendly taps, bright LED lighting throughout the station, new station furniture, and a 128-metre-long platform shelter to provide ample covered waiting space. Railway officials noted that the redevelopment is aligned with regional economic development goals and reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to building robust travel infrastructure under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana.