- Prime Minister inaugurates 75 redeveloped Amrit Stations nationwide through video conferencing, accelerating India’s railway modernisation drive
- Nine upgraded stations across Tamil Nadu and Kerala dedicated to the nation under Southern Railway
- Passenger-centric infrastructure, improved accessibility and heritage-inspired architecture redefine the travel experience
- Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union Minister Suresh Gopi and other dignitaries join celebrations across Southern Railway
- Cultural programmes, student participation and community celebrations mark a milestone in the Amrit Bharat vision
NE RAILWAY BUREAU
CHENNAI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 17
India’s railway transformation gathered fresh momentum on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 75 redeveloped Amrit Stations across the country, reaffirming the Centre’s push to convert railway stations into world-class, passenger-friendly mobility hubs. For Southern Railway, the occasion marked a significant milestone with nine modernised stations across Tamil Nadu and Kerala being dedicated to the nation, promising enhanced passenger comfort, seamless accessibility and stronger regional connectivity.
The nationwide inauguration, held through video conferencing, also saw the Prime Minister dedicate a new railway line project and flag off two new train services in Punjab. The main national function was organised at Jalandhar Cantonment Railway Station, attended by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh and other dignitaries.
As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Southern Railway’s nine redeveloped stations inaugurated by the Prime Minister are:
- Chennai Park (Chennai Division)
- Chinnasalem (Salem Division)
- Coonoor (Salem Division)
- Tirur (Palakkad Division)
- Thalassery (Palakkad Division)
- Parpanangadi (Palakkad Division)
- Nilambur Road (Palakkad Division)
- Chalakudi (Thiruvananthapuram Division)
- Angamali for Kaladi (Thiruvananthapuram Division)
The upgraded stations have been developed with a strong emphasis on passenger convenience, improved circulation, enhanced accessibility for persons with disabilities, modern passenger amenities, digital information systems, upgraded waiting areas, better sanitation facilities and aesthetically designed station buildings inspired by local culture and heritage.
Railway officials said the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme seeks to transform railway stations into vibrant multimodal transport hubs while preserving the architectural identity and cultural essence of each region.
Ceremonial functions were simultaneously organised at all nine stations, where the Prime Minister’s address from Jalandhar Cantonment was live-streamed before large gatherings comprising elected representatives, Railway officials, members of Zonal and Divisional Railway Users’ Consultative Committees, school and college students, Scouts and Guides, railway employees, passengers and members of the public.
The celebrations also featured colourful cultural performances showcasing regional traditions, while winners of competitions conducted in Railway schools across Southern Railway as part of the Amrit Station celebrations were felicitated with prizes, merit certificates and mementoes.
At Chennai Park Railway Station, Governor of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Padma Bhushan awardee Nalli Kuppusamy Chetti, renowned textile industrialist and philanthropist, participated in the inaugural ceremony, highlighting the significance of modern railway infrastructure in supporting urban mobility and economic growth.
At Chalakudi Railway Station, Union Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi joined the celebrations along with Municipal Chairperson Alice Shibu, underscoring the role of upgraded railway infrastructure in promoting tourism and regional development.
Other inaugural ceremonies witnessed the participation of Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, municipal chairpersons and public representatives, reflecting broad public support for the nationwide railway modernisation initiative.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is one of Indian Railways’ flagship infrastructure programmes aimed at creating stations that are not merely transit points but integrated public spaces equipped with contemporary passenger amenities while retaining their local identity.
With 75 redeveloped stations now added to India’s expanding modern rail network, the initiative marks another decisive step towards building a faster, smarter, safer and more passenger-centric railway system aligned with the country’s long-term infrastructure vision.
