“PM Modi to lay foundation stone, dedicate to nation redevelopment of 554 stations on Feb 26”: Divisional Railway Manager
GG News Bureau
Andhra Pradesh, 25th Feb. Indian Railways Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the cornerstone for the reconstruction of 554 railway stations, on February 26. The Waltair division is home to twelve of these stations, according to Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad.
During a press conference on Saturday at the DRM conference hall, Saurabh Prasad announced that 12 stations would receive new construction, first-rate amenities, 12-meter-wide Foot Over Bridges, and a second entrance.
The redevelopment of 554 railway stations throughout Indian Railways will be dedicated to the nation on February 26 when PM Modi places the foundation stone. The Waltair division is home to twelve of these stations. At a cost of Rs 443 crores, these stations are being renovated,” he stated.
“Rayagada railway station is undergoing a major upgrade that will cost Rs 243.51 crore to develop. The Prime Minister laid the cornerstone for the major upgrade of Visakhapatnam station in November 2022. “In the state of Andhra Pradesh, we have ten stations that are being developed under the Amrit Bharat schemes,” he continued.
Additionally, he stated that a total of Rs 1030 crore has been approved for the refurbishment of stations across the Waltair division.
“We have four locations where road overbridges will take the place of railway level crossing gates, aside from station renovations. For Rs 218 crore, this work is being completed. These road-over bridges have already had their detailed estimates approved, and construction will soon begin. With the help of this input, the infrastructure in Waltair Division will be significantly upgraded. In addition, level crossings will be replaced with road overbridges, according to Saurabh Prasad.
Simhachalam, Araku, Parvatipuram, Bobbili, Kottavalasa, Chipurupalle, Srikakulam Road, and Naupada stations are among the stations in the Andhra Pradesh section of Waltair Division that will be redeveloped under Amrit Bharat Stations.
Notably, Amrit Bharat trains will feature air conditioning, a wider FOB, better station accessibility, waiting areas, restrooms, an escalator and lift, and cleanliness. In addition, the redeveloped station under this scheme will feature executive lounges, improved passenger information systems, free Wi-Fi, and spaces for business meetings in addition to kiosks selling local products through programs like “One Station One Product.”
Long-term conversion of stations into thriving city centers, encouragement of multimodal connectivity, and integration of stations with the neighboring urban areas on both sides.
