KATRA: In a historic decision, Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station in Katra city of Reasi district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be redeveloped at a cost of 40 crore rupees to enhance the existing facilities and introduce new amenities for passengers.
The step is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme under which Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of 553 railway stations across the country at a cost of over 19,000 crore rupees.
To mark the occasion, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh unveiled a plaque marking a formal redevelopment of the Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station on monday.
Addressing a gathering at the event, Dr Singh said inclusion of this Station in the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is reflective of Prime Minister’s special focus and priority he has given for the development of this region. He recalled that this rail station was among the first which was chosen for the roll out of Vande Bharat train including the second Vande Bharat adding that it also holds the distinction of being the first station in the country where a solar power facility was unveiled.
Dr Singh informed that as part of today’s endeavour, besides Katra station, three other stations, namely Udhampur, Jammu and Budgam, railway stations will also be redeveloped as Amrit Stations. Among the four, three are in Jammu region. This reinforces the Prime Minister’s commitment for the development of J&K, the minister underscored.
Dr Singh further informed that Katra station will emerge as an inter-modal station, integrating rail, road and air so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly. Dr Singh said that the Prime Minister has chosen Katra as a leg of the country’s development journey.
Dr Singh said that ever since Mr Modi assumed leadership of the country, there has been a transformation in citizens’ mind-sets. He stated that the Prime Minister has ensured a level playing field for the development and welfare of every person and region of the country.
He added that it has been ensured that every citizen and region of this country reach their maximum potential commensurate with their talent and resources. Now, a poor man’s son or daughter can dream big and compete in prestigious examinations like civil services and join corridors of power, irrespective of their religion, caste or region. Hopes have been rekindled, and evils like corruption and nepotism have been curbed, Dr Singh added. The Union Minister said the number of developmental projects India has seen in the past decade are unparalleled.
The pace of development has been accelerated to realise the goal of Vikist Bharat, Dr Singh underlined.
The 553 railway stations chosen for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are spread across 27 States and Union Territories. These will be redeveloped at a cost of over Rs. 19,000 crores. These stations will act as ‘City Centres’ integrating both sides of the city. They will have modern passenger amenities like roof plaza, beautiful landscaping, inter modal connectivity, improved modern façade, kids play area, kiosks, food courts, etc. They will be redeveloped as environment friendly and also Divyang friendly. The design of these station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture.
Today, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation 1500 Road Over Bridges and Underpasses. One of them costing 49 crore rupees will be in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These Road Over Bridges and Underpasses spread across 24 States and Union Territories, the total cost of these projects is around Rs 21,520 crores. These projects will reduce congestion, enhance safety and connectivity, improve capacity, and efficiency of rail travel.
