In a step towards advancing rail infrastructure, the foundation stones for redevelopment of 508 Railway Stations across the country was virtually laid today by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. At the ceremony at Jalna Railway Station, Union Minister of State for Railways, Raosaheb Danve, graced the gathering. Union Minister of Railways Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw also joined the ceremony virtually.
During his address, Minister Danve underscored the comprehensive redevelopment endeavors underway in Maharashtra, signaling a monumental investment of Rs 25,000 crore for the revitalization of 44 railway stations. The modernization initiatives had experienced previous impediments, with railway projects languishing for several years. He shed light on the transformational journey, emphasizing the contrast between the period of 2009-2014 when the state received a mere Rs 1100 crore, leading to incomplete railway ventures, and the current year witnessing an infusion of around 13 thousand crore rupees dedicated to Maharashtra. This renewed financial commitment has catalyzed a substantial surge in railway undertakings across the state, including a comprehensive electrification of all railway lines, slated for completion by March 2024.
The state’s railway landscape has also expanded with the inception of new railway lines such as Solapur-Tuljapur, Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded and Nagar-Ashti Railway. The Railway Board’s endorsement of the proposed Jalna-Jalgaon railway line layout, with the state government pledging to bear 50 percent of the cost, further exemplifies the synergy between state and central authorities.
A noteworthy highlight is the successful deployment of 25 state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express trains nationwide, with five of these cutting-edge trains operational in Maharashtra, enhancing connectivity and travel experience for passengers.
In consonance with fostering local employment opportunities, a railway coach factory has been established in Latur, Marathwada, set to manufacture 120 coaches, thus contributing to economic growth.
The ambitious redevelopment of Jalna railway station, at an estimated cost of Rs. 200 crore, is set to significantly elevate its infrastructural prowess. The impending completion of the peat line work for the station, coupled with a novel layout design that offers enhanced accessibility through roadways on both sides, underscores the commitment to creating world-class facilities akin to airport standards within redeveloped railway stations.
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