Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across India on July 17, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of the national rail network. The primary event was held at the Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station, where the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for a series of critical rail and road infrastructure projects collectively valued at over ₹5,470 crore.
Key highlights of the announcement include:
- Inauguration of 75 newly redeveloped stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
- Launch of the new Dhaulatpur Chowk-Kartoli rail line built at a cost of ₹830 crore.
- Flagging off of India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind, Haryana.
- Introduction of a new Kartoli Punjab-Ambala Cantt Express service.
- Total investment of ₹1,570 crore for the 75 redeveloped stations.
Focus on Regional Connectivity
The event saw significant attention on connectivity in Himachal Pradesh. The Amb Andaura Railway Station, which underwent a major transformation at an estimated cost of ₹24 crore, was among the stations inaugurated. Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri used the occasion to urge the central government to prioritize and fully fund state-specific rail projects. He highlighted the financial challenges of lines like the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur project, noting that costs have escalated from ₹1,000 crore in 2007 to a staggering ₹13,446 crore. He further requested that the state’s ₹847 crore contribution be converted into a one-time grant to ensure project completion.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Launched in December 2022, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Railways designed to modernize 1,338 stations nationwide. The vision is to transform these hubs into world-class facilities by providing wider concourses, modern waiting areas, lifts, escalators, and improved accessibility for all passengers. With the addition of these 75 stations, the total number of redeveloped stations under this scheme has now reached 261, with a cumulative expenditure of approximately ₹1,570 crore.
Beyond the railway sector, the Prime Minister also inaugurated health and education infrastructure projects in Chandigarh worth over ₹6,600 crore, including the establishment of advanced medical facilities at PGIMER, reinforcing a broader commitment to national infrastructure development.