PM Modi Inaugurates 103 Amrit Bharat Stations Nationwide, 15 in Maharashtra Including 2 in Pune Division

Reported by Amit Singh

Pune, 22nd May 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat railway stations across 18 states and union territories, including 15 stations in Maharashtra and two in Pune Division — Kedgaon and Lonand. The nationwide event was conducted from Rajasthan, where the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated infrastructure projects worth over INR 26,000 crore.

The inauguration event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In Rajasthan, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the redeveloped Deshnoke station and flagged off the Bikaner–Mumbai express train.

In Maharashtra, 15 railway stations were included in the first batch of 103 Amrit Bharat Stations. Pune Division’s Kedgaon and Lonand stations were among those inaugurated. These redeveloped stations are part of Indian Railways’ nationwide initiative to modernise over 1,300 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

Kedgaon Station has been redeveloped at a cost of INR 12.54 crore. It now includes a cover over platforms, ramps for improved accessibility, upgraded station approaches, new entry and exit points, and restructured circulating and parking areas. The façade features sandstone cladding and LED lighting. The booking office and waiting halls have been modernised, and new toilet blocks have been provided for men, women, and Divyangjan passengers. Passenger amenities have been enhanced with tactile paving, new shelters, coach guidance systems, digital display boards, and GPS-enabled clocks.

Lonand Station, redeveloped at a cost of INR 10.47 crore, features a new entrance hall, modernised booking office and concourse, new gates, and a compound wall. Platform surfaces have been improved, and a cover over platform with portico has been added. Circulating areas and parking have been reorganised with better landscaping. A new waiting room and upgraded seating have been provided on Platform No. 1. The station now has improved toilet facilities and a comprehensive passenger information system, including multiline LED boards and automated announcements.

According to the Ministry of Railways, all 103 Amrit Bharat Stations inaugurated on Thursday have been developed at a combined cost of over INR 1,100 crore. The initiative integrates modern infrastructure with local architectural themes and aims to improve accessibility, passenger convenience, and cleanliness at railway stations