By Vikas Sir, Founder & Senior Faculty – Cosmo Classes | 17 July 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states on 17 July 2026 under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The main ceremony was anchored from Jalandhar Cantt station (Punjab), redeveloped at a cost of ₹125 crore.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is one of India's largest railway station modernisation programmes. On 17 July 2026, PM Modi virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped stations, marking a major step in upgrading passenger amenities and integrating heritage with modern infrastructure across the country.

About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

The scheme was launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways. It provides for long-term master planning of more than 1,338 stations across India and focuses on:

  • ➜Multimodal connectivity between different modes of transport
  • ➜Improved accessibility for all passengers
  • ➜Phase-wise redevelopment of stations
  • ➜Long-term master planning based on future needs

Redevelopment Features

The scheme follows the guiding principle of "Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi" (heritage as well as development), combining local heritage with modern infrastructure. Key upgrades at the redeveloped stations include:

  • ➜Wider circulation areas and improved entry & exit points
  • ➜Lifts and escalators for easy movement
  • ➜Modern waiting halls and executive lounges
  • ➜CCTV surveillance for passenger safety
  • ➜Free Wi-Fi facilities
  • ➜Dedicated facilities for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan)

Stations Covered in the July 2026 Inauguration

The redeveloped stations inaugurated in this phase are spread across multiple states, including:

  • ➜Telangana: Hi-Tech City
  • ➜Delhi: Modi Nagar
  • ➜Karnataka (4 stations): Alnavar, Badami, Bantwal and Koppal
  • ➜Kerala (6 stations, inaugurated 16 July 2026): Tirur, Thalassery, Parappanangadi, Nilambur Road, Chalakudy and Angamaly for Kalady

📌 Important Facts for Exams

  • ◆Indian Railways completed redevelopment at 180 out of 1,337 identified stations by 12 March 2026.
  • ◆The scheme aims to complete 400 stations by the end of 2026.
  • ◆It targets 700 completed stations by the end of 2027.
  • ◆Jalandhar Cantt station (Punjab) is the anchor venue for the 17 July 2026 ceremony.
  • ◆Scheme launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways.
  • ◆Guiding principle: "Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi".

Practice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Under which scheme were 75 railway stations redeveloped and inaugurated in July 2026?

A. PM Gati Shakti
B. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
C. Bharatmala Pariyojana
D. Sagarmala
View Answer

Answer: B – Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Q2. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched in which year?

A. December 2020
B. December 2021
C. December 2022
D. January 2023
View Answer

Answer: C – December 2022

Q3. Which station served as the anchor venue for the 17 July 2026 inauguration ceremony?

A. Jalandhar Cantt
B. Hi-Tech City
C. Modi Nagar
D. Koppal
View Answer

Answer: A – Jalandhar Cantt (Punjab)

Q4. What is the guiding principle of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

A. "Reform, Perform, Transform"
B. "Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi"
C. "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas"
D. "Make in India"
View Answer

Answer: B – "Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi"

Q5. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a programme under which ministry?

A. Ministry of Road Transport
B. Ministry of Urban Affairs
C. Ministry of Railways
D. Ministry of Tourism
View Answer

Answer: C – Ministry of Railways

UPSC / RPSC Relevance

  • ➜UPSC Prelims: Government schemes, Indian Railways, infrastructure development (Amrit Bharat Station Scheme).
  • ➜UPSC Mains – GS Paper III: Infrastructure — railways; investment models and development.
  • ➜RPSC / SSC / State Exams: Current affairs and static GK on railway modernisation and government schemes.

UPSC Mains Descriptive Question

Q. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme reflects the vision of modernising Indian Railways while preserving heritage. Discuss the objectives, key features and significance of station redevelopment for passenger amenities and urban transport integration. (250 words, 15 marks)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?It is a railway station modernisation scheme launched in December 2022 by the Ministry of Railways for the long-term redevelopment of more than 1,338 stations across India.
Q2. How many stations were inaugurated on 17 July 2026?PM Modi virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states.
Q3. Which station is the anchor venue for the ceremony?Jalandhar Cantt station in Punjab, redeveloped at a cost of ₹125 crore, served as the anchor venue.
Q4. What is the guiding principle of the scheme?The scheme follows the principle of "Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi", combining heritage with modern development.
Q5. What are the targets of the scheme?The scheme aims to complete 400 stations by the end of 2026 and 700 stations by the end of 2027.