Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment by laying the foundation stone for the ambitious redevelopment project encompassing 508 railway stations across India, which also includes three stations in Tripura.
The ceremony was conducted through video conferencing and the cost of the project is over Rs 24,470 crores.
The event was graced by the presence of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with several dignitaries, underscoring the national importance of the initiative.
The redevelopment with modernity as ‘Amrit Bharat Stations’ of three key railway stations in Tripura - Udaipur Railway Station, Kumarghat Railway Station, and Dharmanagar Railway Station - underscores the state's alignment with the national development narrative. With an allocation of over Rs 96 crore, these stations are set to undergo a comprehensive transformation, mirroring the broader vision of the Prime Minister's proactive governance.
The redevelopment of the three railway stations in Tripura is set to redefine the region's connectivity and infrastructural landscape.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the new India which is fast moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat is on the onset of Amrit Kaal. “There is new energy, new inspirations and new resolutions”, the Prime Minister said underlining that it is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Indian Railway. He informed that almost 1300 prime railway stations in the country will now be redeveloped with modernity as ‘Amrit Bharat Stations’ and will get a new lease of life.
Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, expressed his admiration for the visionary project, attributing transformative changes in the North Eastern states to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership since assuming office in 2014.
Dr. Saha praised the remarkable advancements in rail connectivity achieved under the Prime Minister's sincere efforts, particularly highlighting the expansion of rail links internationally, such as the upcoming Agartala-Bangladesh rail communication.
The Agartala-Bangladesh rail link is poised to revolutionize travel, slashing the time between Agartala and Kolkata to just 10 hours, as revealed by Chief Minister Saha during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the re-development of Udaipur Railway Station. An allocation of more than Rs 235 crore has been assigned for the modernization of Agartala railway station, which is expected to feature a range of contemporary amenities, including escalators and modernized toilets.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Project, the Union Ministry of Railways is steering the modernization endeavor, focusing on enhancing passenger experiences and the overall functionality of 508 railway stations across the nation. The initiative resonates with the Prime Minister's extraordinary vision and commitment to progress.
The Chief Minister reflected on the profound changes that have unfolded since Prime Minister Modi's tenure began in 2014, citing the establishment of peace in the North East region and the steady development fueled by the Act East Policy. He commended the pivotal role played by railways in this transformative journey, emphasizing the unforeseen advancements in Tripura's rail communication.