Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the newly redeveloped Sarona Railway Station near Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on July 17, 2026. This project, executed under the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aims to transform the passenger experience by integrating modern infrastructure with enhanced accessibility. Sarona was part of a major nationwide rollout featuring 75 railway stations across 20 states.
- Project Cost: Completed with an investment of approximately 13.57 crore rupees.
- Key Upgrades: Two new lifts, 14 CCTV cameras for enhanced security, and a spacious air concourse.
- Passenger Comfort: New wide foot overbridges, extensive platform sheds, and real-time coach guidance displays.
- Accessibility: Features ramps, reserved parking, accessible toilets, and low-height counters for passengers with disabilities.
- Strategic Connectivity: A new approach road provides direct connectivity to AIIMS, significantly benefiting patients and their families.
Modern Infrastructure for Raipur Division
The transformation of Sarona station is part of a broader vision to make Indian Railways more passenger-centric and efficient. The station now features a modern facade and improved digital signage, ensuring commuters have seamless access to real-time train information. By focusing on accessibility, the station ensures that elderly passengers and those with disabilities can navigate the premises with ease and dignity.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the initiative, noting that the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a visionary step toward modernizing the state’s railway network. During the planning phase, Raipur Divisional Railway Manager Dayanand coordinated with the state leadership to ensure the project met local needs, including the vital link to the nearby AIIMS campus.
Economic and Social Impact
Sarona is one of five major stations within the Raipur division to undergo this comprehensive makeover. Alongside the Sarona project, the Balod railway station was also upgraded, with a combined investment for both stations reaching approximately 19.94 crore rupees. State officials believe these infrastructure improvements will not only improve daily convenience for thousands of travelers but also stimulate economic and social development in the surrounding regions. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the ongoing effort to upgrade railway infrastructure to world-class standards across India.