Rajasthan:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of infrastructure projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore during his visit to Rajasthan, signaling a major boost to the nation’s development agenda across multiple sectors including railways, roadways, power, and renewable energy.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of 103 newly redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, spread across 86 districts in 18 states and union territories. These “Amrit Bharat Stations” are envisioned as modern transit hubs that blend state-of-the-art amenities with regional cultural and architectural themes.

The Prime Minister began his visit with a darshan at Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke, where he later inaugurated the Deshnoke Amrit Station. The station, along with seven others in Rajasthan—Bundi, Mandalgarh, Gogameri, Govindgarh, Mandawar-Mahuwa Road, Fatehpur Shekhawati, and Rajgarh—reflects traditional temple architecture with arches and columns, serving as a symbolic blend of utility and heritage.

PM Modi also flagged off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express, marking a key expansion in rail connectivity for western India. Addressing a public gathering in Palana, Bikaner, he reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure while preserving India’s rich cultural identity.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who accompanied the Prime Minister, said that the inauguration marked the rollout of the first batch of stations under the Amrit Bharat initiative. Over 1,300 stations have been identified for redevelopment under the scheme, with another 100 expected to be completed within the next eight months. By 2027, nearly 500 stations are set to be transformed.

“These stations have been built at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore and reflect the unique identity of each region,” said Vaishnaw. “From heritage-inspired designs to disabled-friendly infrastructure, the focus is on enhancing comfort, accessibility, and sustainability.”

Among the redeveloped stations, Uttar Pradesh leads with 19, followed by Gujarat (18), Maharashtra (15), Tamil Nadu (9), Madhya Pradesh (6), and five each in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to reimagine India’s railway experience—cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive—making rail travel not just more efficient, but culturally enriching for passengers nationwide.

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