Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states on Friday, July 17, 2026, under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Among these, three stations in Tamil Nadu—Chennai Park, Chinna Salem, and Coonoor—have received a significant facelift, blending modern infrastructure with local cultural aesthetics to enhance the daily commute for thousands of passengers.
Key highlights of the redevelopment include:
- Chennai Park: Upgraded at a cost of ₹14.79 crore with a landmark tower, new lifts, and improved MRTS connectivity.
- Chinna Salem: Modernized for ₹15.14 crore, featuring a renovated building and new foot overbridge.
- Coonoor: Received a ₹12.18 crore upgrade that balances modern amenities with the heritage of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
- Accessibility: All stations now feature barrier-free access for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Modernizing Rail Infrastructure
Launched in December 2022, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Railways to transform over 1,300 stations nationwide. The goal is clear: provide world-class passenger amenities while ensuring seamless multimodal connectivity. The recent upgrades in Tamil Nadu underscore the government’s commitment to the ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’ (Development as well as Heritage) philosophy, ensuring that historic stations like Coonoor retain their charm while offering contemporary services.
Details of the Upgrades
At Chennai Park, passengers will benefit from a new entrance canopy, a revamped booking office, and resurfaced platforms. The addition of two new lifts for the existing foot overbridge significantly improves accessibility for commuters transferring to the MRTS network. Meanwhile, Chinna Salem station now boasts an improved waiting hall, providing a more comfortable environment for travelers.
For the iconic Coonoor station, the focus remained on preserving its unique UNESCO-recognized heritage status. The investment ensures that while the station gets modern facilities like free Wi-Fi and updated passenger information systems, the colonial-era aesthetic remains intact.
Southern Railway has been aggressively pursuing this modernization drive, having identified 115 stations for redevelopment. With this latest inauguration, the total number of Amrit Stations in the zone has reached 33. These stations also feature ‘One Station One Product’ kiosks, which are designed to boost local economic growth by providing a platform for regional artisans and businesses. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw oversaw the main event in Jalandhar, while local stakeholders celebrated the milestone across the state.