Mumbai, July 21 -- The Prime Minister will virtually inaugurate 75 redeveloped railway stations across the country, including four in the state of Karnataka, senior railway officials said. The virtual ceremony forms part of a nationwide effort to upgrade passenger infrastructure under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, South Western Railway (SWR) said. The announcement follows completion of redevelopment work at the four Karnataka locations ahead of the inauguration. The virtual ceremony will be attended by railway and state officials and will showcase the completed works and demonstrate passenger benefits.
The four stations in Karnataka are Alnavar in Dharwad district, Badami, Bantwal and Koppal. The projects carried estimated costs of Rs 172 million (mn) at Alnavar, Rs 51 million (mn) at Badami, Rs 261.8 million (mn) at Bantwal and Rs 211.4 million (mn) at Koppal. South Western Railway noted that these figures reflect investment under the scheme to improve regional connectivity and station standards. SWR provided project summaries detailing scope and costs.
Redevelopment work included upgraded station buildings and modern facades designed to reflect regional architecture and cultural identity. The stations now provide disabled-friendly facilities such as ramps, accessible booking counters, guidance pathways, reserved parking, water booths and accessible restrooms. Circulation areas were reworked to improve passenger flow and safety. Signage and guidance improvements were introduced to aid navigation for all passengers.
Passenger amenities were enhanced with new platform shelters, improved circulating areas and air-conditioned waiting halls, along with dedicated ladies waiting rooms and baby feeding spaces. Additional amenities include organised auto stands, parking spaces, LED coach indication boards, train indication boards and digital clocks to aid travellers. Security and communication upgrades comprised CCTV coverage, advanced public announcement systems and free Wi-Fi with mobile charging points. Aesthetic features such as wall art and murals were included to strengthen community identity at the stations.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.