Agencies NEW DELHI, Feb 26: In a landmark move aimed at modernizing and accelerating India's railway and road infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone laying, inauguration, and dedication to the Nation of the redevelopment of 553 railway stations and 1500 road over bridges/underpasses across the country. The event, conducted via video conferencing, witnessed the participation of dignitaries, including Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Minister of State of External Affairs and Culture, Meenakashi Lekhi. Under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Scheme, the redevelopment of 553 railway stations and construction of 1500 road over bridges/underpasses mark a significant step towards modernizing India's transportation infrastructure. The Northern Railway, in particular, saw the foundation stone laying, inauguration, and dedication to the Nation of 43 railway stations and 92 road over bridges/underpasses. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi hailed the initiative as a symbol of the new work culture of New India, emphasizing the unprecedented speed and scale at which India is progressing. He highlighted the significant momentum gained recently in various sectors, including education and health infrastructure, through massive expansion initiatives. Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of these projects, which are expected to create employment and self-employment opportunities for lakhs of youth while benefiting those studying in schools. He applauded the youth for their contributions and assured them that their dreams and hard work, along with the government's resolve, will pave the way for a developed India. The redevelopment projects, worth Rs 40,000 crores, are a testament to India's pace of progress and the government's commitment to creating a modern infrastructure that benefits all sections of society. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that these projects will not only enhance transportation efficiency but also contribute to the nation's economic growth by reducing industry costs and promoting Make in India and Atmanirbhar India initiatives. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the modernization of thousands of stations will lead to a revolution of huge investment, further strengthening India's position as an attractive destination for global investment. Among the stations inaugurated and dedicated to the Nation by Prime Minister Modi include Ballabgarh, Faridabad New Town, Gohana, Gurugram, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut City Jn, Palwal, Tilak Bridge, Baijnath Paprola, Moga, Beas Jn., Jalandhar City Jn., SMVD Katra, and others, totaling 43 railway stations of Northern Railway. Additionally, 56 road over bridges/underpasses fall in Uttar Pradesh, 17 in Haryana, 13 in Punjab, 4 in Delhi, 1 in Himachal Pradesh, and 1 in Jammu and Kashmir. The Amrit Bharat Station scheme aims at developing stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision, focusing on enhancing facilities and amenities for passengers, including Divyangjan. The scheme prioritizes the elimination of manned level crossing gates to ensure safety, mobility, and improved connectivity. The redevelopment projects signify a transformative leap towards a modern and efficient transportation network, aligning with the government's vision of building a New India poised for growth and prosperity. |