logo
West Bengal railway stations see overhaul under Amrit Bharat Scheme

West Bengal railway stations see overhaul under Amrit Bharat Scheme

The Hindu18-05-2025

West Bengal's Kalyani Ghoshpara Station and 18 other stations have undergone a complete overhaul in the last six months under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The stations have been upgraded with modern facilities to provide a better commuter experience.
Located near institutions like AIIMS Kalyani, the station serves as a crucial transit point in the region. It is among 18 stations under the Sealdah Division selected for redevelopment, and part of a larger network of 103 stations across the country slated to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on May 22.
An investment of over ₹3 crore has gone into improvements ranging from safety features to passenger services. The platform height has been raised to ease boarding and deboarding, while a new full-cover shed made from bamboo mat sheets offers respite during peak summer heat.
Added features
The waiting area has been refurbished with added seating, a mini library and improved sanitation facilities. Digital tools introduced at the station include platform GPS clocks, single and double Face Train Information Boards (TIB), upgraded speaker systems, and a GPS-enabled outdoor tower clock.
In an attempt to make the station more accessible, they have made wheelchair accessibility, ramps, and low-height booking counters. Beautification efforts include landscaping and murals showcasing local art, enhanced with better lighting.
'The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme plays a key role in creating commuter-friendly stations with improved facilities,' the Sealdah Railway Division said in a statement.
'Commuters mean everything to us. For their safety and comfort, we will bring more such developments in the future,' said Ekalabya Chakraborty, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Anantapur-Bengaluru train flagged off
Anantapur-Bengaluru train flagged off

The Hindu

timea day ago

  • The Hindu

Anantapur-Bengaluru train flagged off

The much-awaited direct train service from Anantapur to Bengaluru was flagged off by Anantapur MP Ambica G. Lakshminarayana from the Anantapur railway station, on Wednesday. District Collector Vinod Kumar V., Raptadu MLA Paritala Sunitha and DRM Chandrasekhar Gupta were also present during the occasion. The train no. 66560, which now runs from Anantapur to Bengaluru, used to run between Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district and KSR Bengaluru railway station under the Western Railways. Speaking after flagging off the train, Mr. Lakshminarayana said that the railway authorities have said that a separate pilot has to be allotted for the train which will start from Anantapur as it falls under South Central Railways (SCR). The MP said that he had taken up the issue with Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna and other senior railway officials, and got the train extended till Anantapur. Earlier, the train used to have eight compartments and now it has been extended to 12, said Mr. Lakshminarayana. The long-cherished dream of the people of Anantapur has finally come true with the flagging off of the first train starting from the district, the MP said. He said that extension of the train service will be especially beneficial for students, parents, traders, and local residents traveling for medical and other emergency purposes. Highlighting cost effectiveness of rail transport, he stated that passengers can travel from Anantapur to Bengaluru for just ₹50. The MP expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for their support in enhancing the rail infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh. He further informed that the State has received a record budget allocation of ₹9,417 crore for the financial year 2025–26, the highest-ever compared to previous years. Mr. Lakshminarayana also said the Anantapur railway station is being redeveloped at a cost of ₹29.20 crores in a phased manner under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). The redeveloped station will be equipped with modern passenger amenities and world-class facilities, he said. Additionally, Dharmavaram, Hindupuram, Tadipatri, and Gooty railway stations will also be redeveloped under the ABSS, he added. Meanwhile, Raptadu MLA Paritala Sunitha appreciated the efforts of the MP in ensuring the extension of train no. 66559/66560 KSR Bengaluru–Sri Sathya Sai Prashanthi Nilayam–KSR Bengaluru MEMU service up to Anantapur. She said that the extended service will cater to the needs of various groups in the society. She also requested for more trains from Anantapur towards Vijayawada and Guntur. Earlier, Chandrashekar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Guntakal Division said that the extension of the Anantapur–KSR Bengaluru MEMU marks a significant milestone in enhancing rail connectivity and re-affirming the Railways' commitment towards providing best rail infrastructure for the people in the region. Later, the MP, MLA and railway officials travelled from Anantapur to Prasanayya Palli railway station.

New entrance to Kengeri railway station to ease access and boost commuter safety
New entrance to Kengeri railway station to ease access and boost commuter safety

The Hindu

time2 days ago

  • The Hindu

New entrance to Kengeri railway station to ease access and boost commuter safety

A new entrance to the Kengeri railway station is nearing completion, and it is expected to improve accessibility and safety for thousands of daily commuters. It aims to address a long-standing issue as many commuters cross the trolley path to move between the Metro and railway stations, risking their safety in the absence of a proper connecting route. 'The new entry will reduce the travel distance from 1.5 km to 500 metres,' said an official. 'It will offer a seamless pedestrian movement between the two stations. As part of the redevelopment, the station, classified as a Non-Suburban Group-3 category, is getting new amenities, which include a waiting hall, disabled-friendly ramp access, parking facilities covering 1,600 sq metres for two-wheelers and 1,800 sq metres for four-wheelers, and a cafeteria,' the official said. 'The development is part of the broader Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, under which Kengeri station is being revamped at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore,' the official said. Kengeri is one of the most active railway stations on the Bengaluru-Mysuru route, and is a key stop for several express and passenger trains, including the Chamundi Express, Malgudi Express, Vishwamanava Express, the Mysuru–Bengaluru MEMU, and the Chamarajanagar–Tirupati Express. Fifty eight trains halt here daily in both directions, serving around 20,000 passengers every day. 'I travel from Mysuru to Whitefield three times a week. I usually get off at the Kengeri railway station and then switch to the Metro. The new entry will save nearly 15 minutes. Now, I had to hurry and cross the tracks to make it on time. This development is a big relief for commuters like me,' said Varsha N., a software engineer and resident of Mysuru. Pradeep Gowda, a resident of Rajarajeshwari Nagar, said, 'The current detour makes it difficult for senior citizens and those carrying luggage. A proper entry will make a big difference, especially during peak hours.'

Union Minister Somanna inspects redevelopment works at Bidar railway station
Union Minister Somanna inspects redevelopment works at Bidar railway station

The Hindu

time5 days ago

  • The Hindu

Union Minister Somanna inspects redevelopment works at Bidar railway station

Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna on Saturday conducted an inspection of the ongoing redevelopment works at Bidar railway station, being undertaken under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The project, which is being implemented at an estimated cost of ₹24.35 crore, aims to transform the station with modern amenities and improved infrastructure. During his visit, the Minister reviewed the progress of several key works, including a 12-metre wide foot overbridge, lifts, escalators, booking counters, parking facilities, and enhancements in the surrounding areas of the station. Mr. Somanna directed the officials to expedite the works and emphasised that the station's redevelopment should not inconvenience passengers. He also assessed the availability of passenger amenities, safety arrangements, and the steps taken by Railway officials to ensure seamless and secure movement for travellers. Highlighting the structural significance of the upgrades, the Minister stressed the need for efficient crowd management and robust security measures, urging authorities to prioritise passenger convenience throughout the process. Earlier in the day, the Minister also conducted a window trailing inspection between Nagalapalli and Bidar within the Secunderabad Division.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store