Himachal Railway Stations to be Upgraded Under Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, Rs 2716 Crore Allocated in Budget
Dharamshala, March 18: In a significant boost to the railway infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj recently highlighted several key developments related to the state’s railway system during his support speech for the Railway Budget in Parliament. Among the major announcements was the inclusion of Himachal’s railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, which aims to modernize and upgrade stations across the country.
Dr. Bhardwaj, a prominent advocate for his home region of Kangra, expressed gratitude for the Rs 2716 crore allocated for Himachal Pradesh in the current Railway Budget. He emphasized the importance of this allocation in improving the state’s railway network, especially given its challenging geography and the need for better connectivity to promote tourism and regional development.
As part of the modernization efforts, several key railway stations in Himachal Pradesh, including Amb, Andaura, Baijnath, Paprola, Palampur, and Shimla, are set to be upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana. This scheme is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance railway stations, making them more passenger-friendly with improved facilities, better safety standards, and modern amenities. The inclusion of Himachal’s stations under this scheme is expected to contribute significantly to the ease of travel for both residents and tourists.
One of Dr. Bhardwaj’s key demands during his speech was the conversion of the Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line from a meter gauge to a broad gauge. This particular railway line, established during the British era, has not seen significant upgrades since its inception, and Dr. Bhardwaj argued that modern technology should now be leveraged to revamp this vital link. The conversion to broad gauge is expected to increase the line’s capacity, improve operational efficiency, and make it easier for passengers to travel between these areas.
Additionally, the MP called for a survey to be conducted for the construction of a new railway line connecting some of Himachal’s most famous tourist destinations, including Dalhousie, Chamba, and Khajjiar. These areas, known for their scenic beauty and growing tourism industry, are currently not well-connected by rail, and Dr. Bhardwaj’s proposal aims to provide better access for visitors and locals alike. He noted that while the British had constructed the Kalka-Shimla railway line with limited technology, today’s advanced railway systems could easily support the construction of new lines for these popular destinations.
In his speech, Dr. Bhardwaj also expressed his appreciation for the Railway Minister’s efforts in securing the largest-ever allocation for Himachal Pradesh’s railway infrastructure. The Rs 2716 crore set aside for the state in this year’s Railway Budget is a testament to the central government’s commitment to improving railway services in Himachal. This allocation is part of a broader effort that includes various railway projects, including the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri railway line and the Chandigarh-Baddi broad gauge railway line.
The MP also welcomed the introduction of 200 new Vande Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains, and 50 Namo Bharat Rapid trains, which he believes will bring enhanced security, comfort, and luxury to Indian railways. He further praised the record budget allocation of Rs 1,16,514 crore for railway security and the planned construction of 2000 new foot overbridges to improve passenger safety and reduce congestion at stations.
Dr. Bhardwaj did not shy away from criticizing the opposition’s response to the Railway Budget, accusing them of showing indifference towards the needs of the people. He described the opposition’s attitude as “anti-people,” especially in light of the substantial improvements the budget promises for railway infrastructure and passenger facilities.
With the allocation of funds and the inclusion of Himachal’s railway stations in the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, the state is poised to experience a significant transformation in its railway services. These initiatives not only promise to improve connectivity within Himachal Pradesh but also to bolster tourism, making the region more accessible and attractive to travelers from across the country and beyond.
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