Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently took part in a major event to improve railway travel in India. He visited Deshnoke in Bikaner, Rajasthan, to start the launch of 103 redeveloped railway stations across the country. At the same event, he flagged off a new express train that will run weekly between Bikaner and Mumbai. This event is a part of the central government’s plan to make train stations cleaner, safer, and more modern. It shows the government’s goal of improving public services and providing better travel experiences to people all across India using railway transport services.
The inauguration included stations that were redeveloped as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This scheme was started by the Indian Railways with the aim of upgrading the infrastructure of railway stations. Under this scheme, stations will have better passenger facilities, easy connections to roads and other transport systems, and modern features. These changes are being made to help train travelers enjoy cleaner stations, easy access to platforms, better lighting, new toilets, digital boards, and waiting areas. The scheme also focuses on improving the look and feel of each station, including beautiful architecture and local artwork displays.
These 103 stations are spread across 18 Indian states and Union Territories. This shows that the development is not limited to one area but includes regions from north, south, east, and west India. The stations are located in 86 different districts, helping a wide variety of towns and cities. These include smaller towns that are now being given attention alongside major cities. The move shows the Indian government’s focus on making growth happen in every corner of the country. It brings pride to the people living in these areas who are now getting access to better facilities.
During the launch event, PM Modi also laid the foundation stones for several other development projects. These projects, when completed, will be worth more than ₹26,000 crore. The amount shows a strong investment by the Indian government to improve the country’s infrastructure. The money will be used for projects like electrification of railway lines, improvement of roads, and modernizing transport systems. This huge investment will not only benefit passengers but also help boost local economies. It will bring more jobs and opportunities for people involved in construction, maintenance, transport, and many other supporting industries.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme plans to improve more than 1,300 railway stations in total. The idea behind this large plan is to make railway travel in India more comfortable and efficient. Stations that were once overcrowded or poorly maintained will now have better designs, more space, and safer platforms. These improved facilities will help reduce stress for travelers and allow smoother operations for railway staff. From clean toilets and drinking water to well-designed entry and exit paths, the scheme wants to meet the needs of the common man. It promises better services even in rural or less developed areas.
The Deshnoke railway station, which PM Modi inaugurated in person, is located in Rajasthan and is known for its religious importance. This station has now been transformed with new facilities to make it more welcoming and comfortable for passengers. Improvements include covered platforms, digital ticket booking areas, clean toilets, and proper seating for elderly people. By making such changes, the government hopes to encourage more people to use trains rather than road transport. This helps reduce traffic and pollution. The new train from Bikaner to Mumbai will also connect people from a small town to a major city.
According to reports, the redevelopment of the 103 railway stations together cost more than ₹1,100 crore. This means that each station got careful attention and a part of the total budget to improve important services. Work on these stations included painting, tiling, creating ramps for disabled travelers, installing lifts and escalators, and improving lighting systems. These changes are important to make stations more modern and easier to use. The government wants stations to look beautiful and also be useful. Many stations are now decorated with paintings that reflect local history, culture, and art styles.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme also plans for the future growth of stations. As India’s population grows and more people use trains, stations must be able to handle more passengers. So the designs include space for more platforms, parking areas, electric vehicle charging stations, and foot-over-bridges. This long-term vision will prevent future overcrowding and improve the travel experience. Stations will also have new waiting rooms for women, children, and senior citizens. These rooms will be air-conditioned and have separate areas for feeding infants, ensuring that all kinds of passengers can travel comfortably and with dignity.
One of the most important ideas behind the scheme is to link railway stations with other transport systems. This means people will be able to walk out of a train station and easily find buses, taxis, or other vehicles. It will reduce the time needed to reach the next destination and make travel smooth. Proper signboards, direction maps, and help desks will guide travelers. This kind of planning is new in India, and it shows that the railway ministry wants to create international-standard transport hubs. These hubs will also have security cameras, medical help, and lost-and-found counters.
PM Modi said during the event that modern railway stations are symbols of a new and rising India. He said that better infrastructure will bring better experiences for common people. The prime minister also mentioned that these improvements will attract tourists and travelers from other states or countries. When stations are clean and well-managed, it creates a good image of India. It also gives people hope and pride. He appreciated the workers, engineers, and railway staff who worked hard to complete the stations. He called them the builders of modern India and thanked them for their service.
Many people from the public joined the event, either in person at Deshnoke or by watching it live through screens and social media. The government made sure that people could feel included in this national celebration. School students, local business owners, shopkeepers, and village leaders were seen smiling and proud as their stations were shown on the screen. For many of them, it was the first time their town’s name was mentioned in a national-level event. The Indian Railways posted photos of the new stations online, showing the beauty of lights, colors, and modern features.
The idea of station redevelopment also supports the Indian economy. Building work creates jobs for masons, carpenters, electricians, painters, and engineers. Many local businesses also get contracts to supply goods and materials. This gives an extra push to industries like cement, iron, tiles, and glass. It also supports small-scale industries that produce local artwork and furniture. As more people visit these stations, shops and eateries nearby will get more customers. Tour guides, hotel owners, and taxi drivers will benefit. So, every station that is redeveloped is not just a new building but also a source of livelihood.
The railway ministry is using modern technology to monitor the quality of construction. They are using drones, mobile apps, and CCTV to keep an eye on daily progress. The government wants each rupee to be used wisely. If there are delays or problems, quick actions are taken. This kind of system is part of the Digital India movement. Reports say that the Indian Railways is also asking for suggestions from local people to improve stations further. This means the government is working with people, not just for them. Such teamwork creates trust and long-lasting success.
Another major advantage of these stations is cleanliness. Older stations often suffered from bad smells, dirty platforms, and overflowing garbage bins. Now, with modern toilets, waste separation systems, and regular cleaning, the new stations look and smell fresh. Workers are trained to use machines and eco-friendly cleaning materials. Green areas are planted near entrances, and drinking water is filtered and checked regularly. Dustbins are placed in many areas, and announcements ask people to keep the station clean. These small changes make a big difference in daily life and help create healthy surroundings for children and elders.
These developments also focus on safety. Many railway stations now have CCTV cameras to watch over crowded areas. Security staff are given proper rooms, and emergency services are available quickly. Fire alarms, first aid kits, and help buttons are installed on walls. Women-only help desks are also being planned. The idea is to make every person feel safe, no matter what time of day they travel. With better lighting and clear signs, people can walk without confusion or fear. These steps also prevent crimes and make stations trustworthy places, especially for children, women, and elderly passengers.
The new express train flagged off by PM Modi from Bikaner to Mumbai is another step toward better connectivity. This weekly train will save time and provide a direct link between a small town in Rajasthan and one of India’s biggest cities. Such trains are helpful for students, workers, tourists, and traders. With modern coaches, clean toilets, food services, and punctual timing, the Indian Railways is working hard to offer better travel options. The launch of this train shows that the government is not just fixing old things but also adding new services to meet growing travel demands.
The future of Indian Railways looks bright with such plans. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is more than just a project. It is a promise to make travel better for everyone. The government wants every Indian, whether rich or poor, to have a pleasant journey. As the railway is the lifeline of India, these upgrades will connect people, improve business, and grow tourism. The stations will no longer be just a place to catch a train but also a place where people can relax, shop, eat, and feel proud of their country’s progress. It’s a dream coming true, one station at a time.