Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore at a public event in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of people from 18 states and union territories who joined the event virtually.
As part of this nationwide initiative, 103 Amrit Bharat Stations were dedicated to the nation. Kerala’s Vadakara and Chirayinkeezh railway stations were among those included in this transformation drive.
Vadakara Railway Station: A Modern Travel Hub with Traditional Charm
The formal inauguration ceremony for the renovated Vadakara Railway Station held today, was attended by Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as Chief Guest.
Vadakara station, which serves over 20,000 passengers daily, has undergone a comprehensive upgrade under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) at a cost of Rs 29.47 crore. Major enhancements include renovated AC and non-AC waiting rooms, improved retiring rooms, modernised booking and ticketing offices, automatic ticket vending machines, tactile flooring for accessibility, a new escalator, and a 7800 sqm wide parking facility. The platforms have been resurfaced and raised to standard height, with eight new platform shelters, 200 powder-coated benches, and an upgraded station circulation area. Aesthetic improvements include mural art, façade renovation, vertical gardens, and beautified green zones including a renovated pond.
In his address, Shri George Kurian announced that 56 railway overbridges and underbridges will be constructed across Kerala to be fully borne by the Central government. He also noted the achievement of 100% electrification of 493 kilometres of railway lines in the state. The Minister assured that demands for additional train services and new Vande Bharat routes are under active consideration and expressed confidence that development under the current government would surpass public expectations.
He also congratulated railway officials for their efficient execution of the station redevelopment and visited the newly upgraded facilities. The inauguration plaque of Vadakara Amrit Bharat Station was unveiled by Shri George Kurian in the presence of Shri Shafi Parambil, MP (Lok Sabha), Smt P.T. Usha, MP (Rajya Sabha), Smt K.K. Rema, MLA (Vadakara) and Shri A.K. Chaturvedi, Divisional Railway Manager, Palakkad.
Chirayinkeezhu Railway Station: A Smart Transit Hub in Southern Kerala
The inaugural event in Chirayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram, was attended by Shri Suresh Gopi, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum & Natural Gas as the Chief Guest. The Minister said that the day marks a new chapter in the history of Chirayinkeezhu railway station, which redefines the experience of thousands of passengers who utilise the station everyday, while addressing the gathering.
The Union Minister reassured that more developmental projects will be materialised in Chirayinkeezhu railway station, if required, with the help of Prime Minister and Railway Minister. He also mentioned that railway line doubling is the only solution for the state’s issues, and asserted that the Prime Minister will spearhead the project if the required land is acquired and handed over.
Chirayinkeezhu station was redeveloped at a cost of ₹7.036 crore and now boasts improved waiting areas, upgraded shelters, enhanced public information systems, Divyangjan-friendly features, and a newly constructed aesthetic archway that enhances the overall travel ambiance.
In the event, Union Minister Suresh Gopi paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have served the nation. The Minister also handed over the prizes for students who won in various competitions. Adoor Prakash MP and V Sasi MLA were also present.
