By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), describing the initiative as a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation of India’s railway network. The virtual inauguration took place from Jalandhar, Punjab, where the Prime Minister also unveiled several rail and road infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and passenger services.
The newly upgraded stations have been developed with an investment of nearly ₹1,570 crore and are part of one of the world’s largest railway station redevelopment programmes. The project focuses on transforming railway stations into modern, accessible and passenger-friendly transport hubs while preserving their local cultural identity and architectural heritage.
Designed around the vision of “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi” (Heritage with Development), the redeveloped stations feature improved passenger amenities, enhanced accessibility, better waiting areas, upgraded platforms and modern infrastructure. Each station has been designed to reflect the culture and traditions of its respective region.
Among the stations inaugurated were Jalandhar Cantonment, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Sri Muktsar Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib in Punjab; Pratapnagar, Godhra, Porbandar and Bhaktinagar in Gujarat; Barpali, Balangir, Paralakhemundi, Talcher, Kesinga, Bimalgarh and Baripada in Odisha, along with nine stations under Southern Railway.
The Prime Minister also flagged off the Kartoli–Ambala train service, expected to improve rail connectivity across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. In another key announcement, he launched the Sant Ravidas Express connecting Amritsar (Chheharta) with Varanasi, creating a direct rail link between two major religious and cultural destinations.
These railway initiatives formed part of a broader infrastructure package worth more than ₹5,470 crore unveiled in Jalandhar. The projects include rail upgrades, road connectivity improvements and the inauguration of the 30.9-kilometre Package-6 of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Greenfield Expressway, aimed at improving regional transportation and supporting economic growth.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said the redevelopment of 75 railway stations reflects the rapid transformation of Indian Railways in recent years. He added that the government’s focus remains on improving public infrastructure, enhancing passenger convenience and creating new opportunities for development under the guiding principle of “Nagrik Devo Bhava”.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train from Jind in Haryana. The train will operate between Jind and Sonipat, covering the 89-kilometre route in around two hours. During his visit to Haryana, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately ₹14,700 crore.
Later, Mr. Modi travelled to Chandigarh, where he launched additional development projects valued at over ₹4,700 crore, covering healthcare, education and road infrastructure, as part of the Centre’s continuing investment in public infrastructure across northern India.
