PM Modi Inaugurates ₹41,000 Crore Worth of Railway Infrastructure Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone on Monday by inaugurating 2,000 railway infrastructure projects collectively valued at around ₹41,000 crore. Describing it as emblematic of "the work culture of New India," the Prime Minister asserted that these initiatives would propel India towards becoming a more appealing investment destination in the foreseeable future.

"New India operates with unparalleled speed and scale," remarked Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the nation's swift progress. "Today, India is perceived as a stable and alluring investment haven. One key factor contributing to this reputation is our modernized infrastructure. Once these railway projects, including station redevelopments, come to fruition, we anticipate a surge in investment, further enhancing India's attractiveness as a destination for investment."

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for 554 station redevelopment projects under the 'Amrit Bharat' station scheme, as well as for 1,500 road over bridges and underpasses.

Among the inaugurated projects was the revamped Gomtinagar station in Uttar Pradesh, completed at an estimated cost of ₹385 crore.

Under the 'Amrit Bharat' station scheme, selected stations across various railway divisions will undergo enhancements to passenger facilities, including expansive foot-over bridges, improved frontage, spacious waiting areas, CCTV surveillance, and food kiosks, among others.

The 553 station redevelopment projects are projected to require an investment of nearly ₹19,000 crore, while other infrastructure initiatives such as the construction of flyovers and underpasses are estimated to cost approximately ₹21,520 crore.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that in the fiscal year 2024, 5,000 km of new tracks are set to be laid, in addition to the 31,000 km added over the past decade. He noted a remarkable increase in the pace of track additions, from 4 km per day during 2004-2014 to the current rate of 15 km per day.

"Nearly 41,000 km of tracks have been electrified, marking one of the highest achievements in the history of Indian Railways," Vaishnaw remarked, emphasizing that the station redevelopment projects are slated for completion over a three-year period.

HBL