Jaipur, July 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated 75 redeveloped Amrit Stations across the country to the nation from Jalandhar, Punjab. Spread across 20 states, the redeveloped stations include eight in Rajasthan: Gotan, Deeg, Somesar, Dausa, Khairthal, Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Gangapur City.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma joined the Prime Minister’s programme via video conference from Gotan Railway Station in Nagaur and listened to his address. Congratulating the people of the state, the Chief Minister said the newly redeveloped stations would strengthen railway infrastructure, enhance passenger amenities and give fresh impetus to the vision of a Developed Rajasthan.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma said the Railways has become a key driver in realising the vision of a Developed India. He said Indian Railways has undergone historic transformation since 2014, laying a strong foundation for the country’s growth, infrastructure development and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. The redevelopment of eight Amrit Stations in Rajasthan, he added, marks another significant milestone in strengthening the state’s transport infrastructure.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways continues to achieve new milestones. Comprehensive modernisation of railway infrastructure is underway, with a focus on developing world‑class railway stations, improving passenger amenities, and ensuring safe, efficient, and convenient rail services.
He added that expanding rail connectivity is accelerating economic growth while enhancing ease of travel. Sharma said Vande Bharat trains are setting new benchmarks in speed and modernity, while Namo Bharat rapid rail services are transforming urban connectivity. Amrit Bharat trains are providing affordable and improved travel facilities to common passengers, and Bharat Gaurav trains are showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
He added that railway electrification is advancing India’s transition towards green transportation, while new rail lines, modern stations and state‑of‑the‑art terminals are driving economic development.
The Chief Minister said Rajasthan has received unprecedented support for railway development under the Prime Minister’s leadership. He noted that the state’s railway budget has increased from Rs 682 crore during 2009–14 to a record Rs 10,228 crore for 2026–27.
Railway projects worth more than Rs 76,800 crore are currently under implementation across the state. Sharma said Rajasthan currently has five pairs of Vande Bharat Express services in operation, while nearly 3,900 kilometres of railway track have been laid since 2014.
He added that 85 railway stations are being redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 4,623 crore, with work already completed at several stations.
He also highlighted that the Jaipur–Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express was launched last month, while a Rs 205‑crore mega coaching terminal at Khatipura has been inaugurated. The facility will enable maintenance of various categories of trains, including Vande Bharat services, at a single location.
The Chief Minister further said the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor is emerging as a major catalyst for Rajasthan’s economic growth. Approximately Rs 14,700 crore is being invested in the 567‑route‑kilometre section of the corridor passing through the state. In addition, several terminals have been established under the Shakti Cargo Terminal Scheme.
Reiterating the commitment of the double‑engine government, Sharma said both the Centre and the State are working in coordination to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India through the creation of a Developed Rajasthan.
He said the government is accelerating development by strengthening infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, roads and railways, while generating employment opportunities for the youth.
Expressing confidence, he said the redeveloped Gotan Amrit Station would emerge as a new centre of economic activity and development for the entire Nagaur region.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary, Public Health Engineering Minister Kanhaiyalal Choudhary, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Manju Baghmar, Rajasthan State Farmers’ Commission Chairman C.R. Choudhary, MLAs Laxman Ram Kalaru and Revant Ram Danga, senior railway officials, public representatives and a large number of citizens were present on the occasion.
–IANS
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