TFP Bureau, Raipur; February 26, 2024: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone today by virtually inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 554 railway stations and the construction of 1500 rail flyovers and underpasses across the country. This ambitious initiative, part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, also encompasses the revitalization of 21 railway stations in Chhattisgarh and the creation of 83 road over bridges and under bridges, with a total investment of Rs 2700 crore.
Joining the Prime Minister in the virtual event, Governor Shri Vishwabhushan Harichandan hailed India’s remarkable progress in expanding its rail network, attributing it to the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized that India has emerged as the fastest-growing rail network system globally, owing to the concerted efforts towards infrastructure development in recent years.
Governor Harichandan highlighted the significant allocation of funds to Chhattisgarh in this year’s Railway Budget, amounting to over Rs 6,896 crore, which is 22 times higher than the average budget during 2009-2014. He outlined plans for the redevelopment of Durg and Raipur stations to elevate them to world-class standards and lauded the introduction of Vande Bharat trains in the state.
The Governor expressed satisfaction over the complete electrification of Chhattisgarh’s rail network and underscored the substantial expansion witnessed in the past decade, with an average of 162 kilometers added annually, far surpassing the previous years. He also announced a forthcoming investment of Rs 36,968 crore for further upgrades in the state over the next 3 to 5 years.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering commitment to railway development, Governor Harichandan commended the record-breaking allocation of over Rs 41,000 crore for more than 2000 railway projects nationwide. He emphasized the transformative impact of these investments, which have ushered in a historic era of progress in railway infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma and Raipur Lok Sabha MP Shri Sunil Soni also underscored the positive implications of the redevelopment projects for Chhattisgarh, emphasizing improved connectivity and enhanced safety. Shri Soni particularly praised the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for its holistic approach, transforming even the smallest stations into model facilities.
The event also witnessed the participation of school children in essay, poetry, and speech competitions organized under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with Governor Harichandan personally distributing prizes and certificates to the winners. Watch the video here..
The redevelopment initiative encompasses 21 railway stations in Chhattisgarh, including Korba, Raigarh, Rajnandgaon, Sarona, and Bhilai Nagar, among others. Public representatives, students, and citizens joined the virtual ceremony, underscoring the collective enthusiasm for the transformative railway projects.
