Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a major boost to railway infrastructure in state, 80 railway stations, including Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur, are set to be renovated as ‘Amrit Stations.’ This initiative was announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a video conference on Monday.
The Union Budget for 2025-26 has allocated Rs 14,745 crore for the expansion and modernisation of the state’s rail network. A total of 31 new railway projects, spanning 5,869 km, have been approved with a proposed investment of Rs 1,04,987 crore, according to the minister.
The Rs 2,708 crore redevelopment plan for 80 stations will include key locations such as Akouria, Amla, Anuppur, Ashoknagar, Balaghat, Banapura, Bargawan, Byohari, Berchha, Betul, Bhopal, Bijuri, Bina, Byawara, Rajgarh, Chhindwara, Dabra, Damoh, Datia, Dewas, Gadarwara, Ganjbasoda, Ghoradongri, Guna, Gwalior, Harda, Harpalpur, Indore Junction, Itarsi Junction, Jabalpur, Junnardev, Kareli, Katni Junction, Katni Murwara, Katni South, Khachrod, Khajuraho Junction, Khandwa, Khirkiya, Laxmibai Nagar, Maihar, Maksi Junction, Mandla Fort, Mandsaur, MCS Chhatarpur, Meghnagar, Morena, Multai, Nagda Junction, Nainipur Junction, Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad), Narsinghpur, Nepanagar, Neemuch, Orchha, Pandhurna, Pipariya, Ratlam, Rewa, Ruthiyai, Sanchi, Sant Hirdaram Nagar, Satna, Sagar, Sehore, Seoni, Shahdol, Shajapur, Shyamgarh, Sheopur Kalan, Shivpuri, Shridham, Shujalpur, Sihora Road, Singrauli, Tikamgarh, Ujjain, Umaria, Vidisha, and Vikramgarh Alot.
Moreover, major stations such as Rani Kamlapati, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Satna, Indore, Bina, and Jabalpur are being redeveloped with an investment of Rs 1,950 crore. The Railway Ministry has also approved installation of the ‘Kavach’ safety technology on 3,572 km of railway routes to reduce accidents and enhance passenger safety. Currently, work is underway on 1,422 km of this safety technology. To further improve passenger experience, four Vande Bharat Express trains are being operated across Madhya Pradesh, connecting 14 districts and offering 18 unique stoppages. Additionally, 69 lifts, 41 escalators, and Wi-Fi facilities have been provided at 408 stations for the convenience of travellers.
