With the vision towards 'Naya Bharat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for redevelopment of 508 stations in 27 states on Sunday. Thirty-seven railway stations in West Bengal will be redeveloped as part of the 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme'.
The redevelopment of the stations is done at a cost of Rs 24,470 crore.
In West Bengal, stations including Sealdah, Malda Town, Bolpur, Barddhaman Junction, New Alipurduar, New Mal Junction, Tarakeswar and Rampurhat Junction.
Under the project, modern passenger amenities will be installed apart from ensuring a well-designed traffic circulation. Also, inter-modal integration and well-designed signage for the guidance of passengers will also be installed.
Even the design of the stations will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture.
Dignitaries including Governors, MPs, MLAs, Padma Awardees and freedom fighters are expected to take part for the inaugural event.
Amrit Bharat Scheme
This is the vision of government's 'Naya Bharat'. The Amrit Bharat Scheme was launched on December 27 last year. The scheme was launched to redevelop 1,309 stations.
"These stations will be redeveloped at a cost of more than Rs 24,470 crore. Master Plans are being prepared for development of these stations as 'City Centres', with proper integration of both sides of the city. This integrated approach is driven by the holistic vision of overall urban development of the city, centred around the railway station," the PMO said.
The aim of the scheme is to prepare a master plan for railway stations and revamp the stations in a phased manner.
Foot overbridges, escalators, elevators, two-wheeler and car parking areas, signages, improvement of platforms and platform shelters are among the other facilities to come up at the stations.
The stations are slated to have upgraded amenities such as improved access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lift/escalators as necessary, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products through schemes such as 'One Station One Product'.
(With PTI inputs)