Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated 12 redeveloped railway stations across Central Railway justification under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, marking a major milestone in the modernization of the Indian Railways. The event was part of a nationwide initiative that saw the dedication of 103 revamped stations across the country.
Among the 12 stations in Maharashtra, five are part of the Mumbai Suburban section — Parel, Matunga, Wadala Road, Chinchpokli, and Shahad — receiving a significant facelift aimed at enhancing passenger experience and infrastructure. These modernized stations feature upgraded amenities, improved aesthetics, and better accessibility, aligning with the government’s vision of airport-like facilities at major railway hubs.
The redevelopment includes five stations each in the Mumbai and Bhusaval divisions, and two in the Pune division.
In Mumbai, distinguished dignitaries attended celebrations at individual stations. At Parel Station, Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were present alongside Central Railway General Manager Dharam Veer Meena and Divisional Railway Manager Hiresh Meena.
Chinchpokli Station saw the presence of Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Madhukar Mohol and Mumbai South MP Arvind Sawant. At Wadala Road Station, MLA Kalidas Kolambkar marked the occasion, while Shahad Station was represented by MLA Kumar Ailani.
To engage the younger generation, school-level essay and drawing competitions were organized as part of the celebrations. Prizes were distributed by General Manager Dharam Veer Meena, acknowledging the creativity and enthusiasm of participating students.
The redevelopment of Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) also continues under the scheme, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,800 crore, aiming to transform it into one of the country’s most modern railway stations.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the government's commitment to railway modernization. “The Centre is working to modernize 1,000 railway stations to equip them with airport-like facilities. Trains like Namo Bharat and those under the Amrit Bharat scheme are offering clean and comfortable travel to citizens,” he stated.
"The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to upgrade station infrastructure and enhance passenger services nationwide, signaling a new era in India’s railway transformation" said an official.
