22-05-2025
PM flags off 19 revamped rly stns in UP; they signal blend of heritage & devpt: CM
Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated 103 modernised railway stations across the country, including 19 of Uttar Pradesh, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme from Rajasthan's Bikaner.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, joined virtually from Lucknow, to witness the occasion that marks a significant leap in the state's infrastructure.
"All 103 Amrit Stations across India, including 19 in Uttar Pradesh, dedicated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, embody New India's blend of heritage preservation, development resolve, and the synergy of speed and pride," CM Yogi said on X.
He emphasized that these stations were not just brick-and-mortar upgrades but symbols of contemporary India's aspirations where modern amenities coexist with cultural heritage, and robust infrastructure fuels connectivity and economic growth.
The 19 upgraded stations of UP are North Eastern Railway's (NER's) Balrampur, Gola Gokarnnath, Mailani, Ramghat Halt, Siddharthnagar, Swami Narayan Chhappia of Lucknow division, Bareilly City, Hathras City, Izzatnagar and Ujhani of Izzatnagar division and Suraimanpur of Varanasi division. In North Central Railway's, Pokhraya of Jhansi division, Govindpuri and Karchana of Prayagraj division, Fatehabad, Govardhan and Idgah Agra of Agra division and from Northern Railway, Bijnor from Moradabad division and Saharanpur from Ambala division.
"Each station had been redesigned with modern waiting rooms, escalators, lifts and provisions for persons with disabilities. Digital display boards flashes train updates, eco-friendly designs have reduced carbon footprints, and architecture echoes the region's cultural tapestry--whether it was Awadh's intricate motifs or Saharanpur's woodwork heritage," said a railway official.
At Bareilly City, a weary traveler could now rest in a climate-controlled waiting room instead of a crowded platform.
At Siddharthnagar, escalators eased the journey for elderly pilgrims visiting Buddhist sites. In Govardhan, digital boards ensured no one missed a train, while local artisans' murals welcomed visitors, blending tradition with technology.
"These aren't just stations, they are gateways to opportunity, poised to boost tourism, trade and local economies," said the official.
After the inauguration, CM posted again, reflecting on the broader impact: "The redeveloped Amrit Stations reflect the vision of a New India, where modern amenities, cutting-edge technology, and cultural pride advance together.
They will undoubtedly boost regional development, promote local culture, and expand tourism and business opportunities."
He expressed gratitude to PM Modi, stating: "Heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for these Amrit Stations that provide passengers with integrated modern facilities, an accessible and soulful travel experience."
The 103 stations, spread across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories, were built with an investment of over Rs 1,100 crore.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to renovate over 1,300 stations across the nation, highlighting regional architecture and passenger-centric facilities.
In the last 11 years, the railway ministry has laid down 34,000 km of new railway tracks and electrified 47,000 km of railway lines. New trains such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat have been launched, and 42,000 ICF coaches have been converted to LHB coaches.
In 2023-24, renovation work started at 1,062 stations. Another 100 stations are set for completion in the next eight months, and 500 more stations are projected to be renovated by 2027.
