PM Modi to virtually inaugurate 13 redeveloped railway stations in Madhya Pradesh on July 17

Jabalpur/Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate via video link 13 redeveloped railway stations in Madhya Pradesh on Friday as part of the nationwide launch of 75 stations upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, officials said.

The stations in MP include Sanchi, Vidisha, Ashoknagar and Shivpuri under the Bhopal division, and Beohari of the Jabalpur division within West Central Railway (WCR)'s network, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Jabalpur-headquartered WCR, Harshit Shrivastava, told PTI on Thursday.

Ganganagar station in Kota division of neighbouring Rajasthan falling under the WCR zone will also be inaugurated, he said.


"The redevelopment of these stations reflects Indian Railways' commitment to providing world-class passenger amenities while preserving the local heritage and architectural identity of each region," the official added.

The PM will inaugurate the stations through video-conference at 3.40 pm. Across the country, 75 redeveloped railway stations in 20 states, built at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,570 crore, will be dedicated to the nation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

According to the railways, the redeveloped stations have been designed around the theme of "Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi" (heritage as well as development), incorporating elements reflecting local culture, history and architecture while providing modern passenger facilities.

In Madhya Pradesh, 13 stations are being inaugurated under the scheme, Shrivastava said.

Elaborate programmes would be held at Sanchi, Vidisha, Ashoknagar and Shivpuri stations from 2 pm on Friday in the presence of MPs, MLAs, other public representatives, railway officials and local residents, Bhopal Divisional Public Relations Officer Naval Agrawal said.

The programmes will include cultural performances, a short film screening and prize distribution before the prime minister's virtual inauguration, he said.

"The four redeveloped stations in the Bhopal division have been equipped with modern passenger amenities, improved accessibility for persons with disabilities and infrastructure designed to reflect the region's cultural heritage," Agrawal added.

The upgraded stations feature modern station buildings, expanded platform shelters, improved waiting halls, digital passenger information systems, coach position display boards, advanced public announcement systems, upgraded circulating areas and organised parking facilities.

They have also been made accessible for persons with disabilities through ramps, tactile pathways and other barrier-free infrastructure.

Energy-efficient LED lighting has been installed across the station premises and platforms, he said.

The railway administration expects the redeveloped stations to improve passenger convenience while boosting tourism, trade and economic activity in their respective regions, the PRO said.