Pics: Spoorthi Ullal 

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/New Delhi (DV)

Mangaluru/New Delhi, Aug 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Mangaluru railway junction along with 507 other stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme on Sunday, August 6.

PM Modi addressed the foundation laying ceremony, emphasizing that each Amrit station would become a symbol of the city's modern aspirations and ancient heritage. "Our emphasis is on making Indian Railways modern as well as environment-friendly," he added.

Meanwhile, taking a dig at the opposition, Modi said, "Unfortunately, a faction of the opposition follows the old ways even today. They will neither do any work themselves nor let others do anything."

"The country built a modern Parliament building, but this faction opposed the new Parliament building. We redeveloped Kartavya Path but they opposed that too. When we built National War Memorial, they criticised it too," he said, attacking the opposition.

The prime minister said that to honour Sardar Patel, the "Statue of Unity" was erected in Gujarat, however none of the opposition leaders ever visited it and paid their obeisance to the freedom fighter.

"They remember Sardar Patel only during elections. We need to move ahead with our positive politics of development and leave behind negative politics," he added.

The prime minister further informed that on August 7, India will celebrate National Handloom Day dedicated to the Swadeshi movement.

"The day stands for every Indian as a reminder of 'Vocal for Local'. A few days later, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, we should opt for eco-friendly celebrations," Modi said.

On Saturday, PM Modi had said, "Tomorrow, August 6, is a landmark day for the railways sector. At 11 AM, the foundation stone to redevelop 508 railway stations across India will be laid under the historic Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. At a cost of almost rs 25,000 crore, the redevelopment will revolutionize how rail infrastructure is imagined in our nation. It will boost 'Ease of Living' and enhance comfort as well as convenience."

Speaking later, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the development of these stations is a major focus of the government, with PM Modi personally monitoring their progress and giving inputs in their designs.

The redevelopment aims to provide modern passenger amenities, well-designed traffic circulation, inter-modal integration, and guidance signage inspired by local culture, heritage, and architecture. The stations will be revamped with a long-term approach, involving 'master plans' and phased implementation.

The 508 stations are spread across 27 states and union territories, with significant numbers in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Maharashtra, among others. The scheme's total cost is approximately Rs 25,000 crore.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched in February to redevelop 1,309 stations across the country, and the foundation laying marks a significant step towards the modernization of Indian railway stations.

Bantwal, Subramanya railway stations to be revamped: MP Nalin Kumar Kateel

Addressing the gathering at Mangaluru railway junction, MP Nalin Kumar announced that the redevelopment of Bantwal railway station will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 26.18 crore, and Subramanya railway station will be revamped with Rs 23.73 crores under this scheme. He expressed confidence that in the future, people will distinguish between the pre-Modi rule and the post-Narendra Modi rule, considering the administration after 2014 as a golden era in India, with all departments gaining momentum. Once the pending railway electrification is completed, the Bengaluru-Mangaluru train journey will commence.

Additionally, the union government has allocated Rs 50,000 crores for the district's development works from 2014 to 2023.

MP Nalin Kumar further revealed that he has requested the railway minister to extend the Vande Bharat train from Kasargod to Mangaluru. He also made significant efforts to relocate the regional office of the Konkan Railways from Karwar to Mangaluru.

MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Dr Bharath Y Shetty, Kota Srinivas Poojary, Mangaluru mayor Jayananda Anchan, deputy mayor Poornima and local corporator Shobha Poojary others were present at the foundation laying ceremony in Mangaluru railway junction. 

 (With inputs from IANS)