Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi now focuses on Indian Railways

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the redevelopment of railway station in country. Amrit Bharat Station scheme launched in February, envisioned redevelopment of 1,309 stations across the nation. Railway is a most common means of public transport. Everyday millions of Indians travel in train coaches. Via Video conferencing, Prime Minister Modi said in an inaugural event, ‘India is moving towards the goal of development, and it is at the beginning of its golden age. There is new energy, there is new inspiration, there are new resolutions. In this light, today a new chapter is also beginning in the history of Indian Railways.’
He mentioned 508 stations that falls under redevelopment scheme which are spread across 27 states and Union Territories. 55 each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 44 in Maharashtra, 49 in Bihar, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana. According to the information, the total cost of redeveloping these stations is more than Rs 24,470 crores. Concluding the address, Prime Minister Modi said, ‘The modernization of these 508 railway stations is also a step taken in this direction. I assure you Amrit Bharat Stations will take this transformation of Indian Railways to a new height’.
Launching a new scheme at such big level when general elections are around the corner, is it a coincidence or to achieve a specific end? Ravinder Dubey is a retired railway employee and has served 34 years in Indian Railways. He said, whatever it is, it will benefit millions of citizens. ‘During my work tenure, I have seen all kind of situations and how it had improved by the time. Earlier, we used to book tickets manually now we have the option of e-tickets. Railway stations has become restaurants with all facilities. It is good to witness the development, and this scheme will only better the present for passengers’, said Ravinder. He further added, ‘Yes general elections are next year and this could be an action taken by central administration with certain motive, but whatever it is, the scheme is benefitting people of our country. Millions of people travel every day, it is a most common means of transport and if efforts are being put in developing this transportation, this will make the journey of passengers easier and more comfortable.’
Railway is a preferred employment sector and has provided jobs to more than 1.5 lakh youth, as per Press Information Bureau. Prime Minister Modi also revealed employment is also being created by investing lakhs of crores on infrastructure. Mr. Dubey recalled his process of recruitment in old days and told EAT news, ‘I was not well educated when I got the job. I was introduced by a known and few years I worked there as a clerk. But later I completed my education alongside and got promoted. Now when I look at candidates preparing for railway jobs, I find it so overwhelming. The cut-throat competition between people for civil jobs in India is no surprise.’ He agrees Indian Railway has provided employment across the country and supported millions of Indian households.
However, opposition is not settling quietly after the scheme launched virtually. Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala accused Centre making train journeys unsafe. He tweeted, ‘Instead of repeatedly showing the events of ‘green flag’ just to paint a ‘false image, Modi Ji should also do something to make the journey of the railway safe and reliable.’ He admitted Indian Railways has been the ‘lifeline’ of country and that the Modi administration has made the railway journey extremely risky in the last nine years.
Mr. Dubey over opposition and BJP’s clash said, ‘Politics is about criticism, statements and strategies. But if I have to say sincerely, in last few years the country has seen development in various sectors. Not only externally, we can feel the fast development around us. Today if an incident happens, we see an investigation starts then and there. The sense of responsibility is there in current administration and it is a sign of farsighted system with sense of accountability.’
The redevelopment will provide modern passengers amenities along with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, inter modal integration and signage for the guidance of passengers. The design of the station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture. Indian Railway has few records on its name including world’s longest railway station. Its length is 1366.4 meters and is in South-Western Railway Zone called Hubli railway station. In 2003, Kalka-Shimla Railway was mentioned in Guinness book of world records for covering a distance of 96 km through the highlands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is carrying rapid development under his administration while opposition is busy criticizing.