Governor Shri Vishwa Bhushan participated in Harichandan foundation stone laying program
The development of railways has an immediate and direct impact on the development of the country: Governor Shri Harichandan
Raipur, 06 August 2023
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment works of 508 railway stations in the country through video conferencing under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These include 7 railway stations of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Tilda-Nevra, Akaltara, Bhilai Power House and Mahasamund.
Significantly, a total of 32 railway stations of Chhattisgarh have been included in this scheme. Rs 1660 crore will be invested in the redevelopment of these stations. The Governor of Chhattisgarh Shri Vishwa Bhushan Harichandan participated in this foundation stone laying program of the Prime Minister. He also observed the model prepared for the development of railway stations. The program was organized at the railway station of capital Raipur.
Addressing the program, Governor Mr. Harichandan said that I am very happy to be present in this ceremony of laying the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The development of passenger amenities was a long standing demand of the people of the country, which has now been fulfilled. Railway is the lifeline of the country. The development of railways has an immediate and direct impact on the development of the country. The role of railways as a catalyst in economic development is universally recognised.
He said that Ministry of Railways is making all out efforts for rapid development of rail network across the country and improvement in the services provided by Railways. The current effort to redevelop 1307 railway stations under the AMRUT Bharat Station Scheme across the country will prove to be an important milestone towards better amenities and passenger experience with the Railways.
Mr. Harichandan said that I am happy to know that a total of 32 railway stations in Chhattisgarh are included in this ambitious Amrit Bharat station scheme. Rs 1660 crore will be invested in the redevelopment of these 32 stations. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of 7 stations in Chhattisgarh. These include Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Tilda-Nevra, Akaltara, Bhilai Power House and Mahasamund. Important railway stations of Bilaspur, Durg and Raipur will get a major upgradation at a cost of Rs 500 crore each.
It is worth mentioning that modern facilities like wide concourse, foot over bridge, lift, escalator, waiting room, commercial area and retail counter etc. will be provided at these stations to be redeveloped under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The plan envisages multimodal transport. Passenger amenities at other minor stations will also be upgraded and provided with facilities like wide FOBs, frontage improvements, waiting areas, lifts, escalators etc.
Governor Shri Harichandan said that it is gratifying to note that Indian Railways is striving to raise the level of services to the public both in terms of quantity and quality. I thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh for selecting the stations of our state in the redevelopment plan. It will certainly serve to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Chhattisgarh as well as open new avenues of development through transit oriented facilities.
Thanking Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha MP from Raipur, Mr. Sunil Soni said that the redevelopment of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a big gift for the people of the state as well as the country. The idea of developing railway stations on the lines of airports is commendable. He said that on the lines of the airport, Raipur railway station will be developed as a model station. The way people including children and the elderly go to see the airport. Similarly, they will also come to see the railway station. Passenger facilities will increase. The development of the station in a new format will increase the economic activities. During the program, prizes and certificates were also distributed to the winners of the competitions organized in the schools of Raipur under Amrit Bharat Mahotsav from the hands of the Governor Mr. Vishwa Bhushan Harichandan. On this occasion MLA Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, GM of South-East Central Railway.
