Railways – Andhra Pradesh Gets Three Upgraded Stations Under Amrit Bharat Initiative
Railways – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday dedicated three newly redeveloped railway stations in Andhra Pradesh to the nation through a virtual event. The upgraded stations at Rayanapadu, Mangalagiri, and Cumbum have been modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a nationwide programme focused on improving railway infrastructure and enhancing passenger services. The inauguration ceremony was attended by HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Union Minister of State Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath, Rajya Sabha MP Bhashyam Rama Krishna, and other public representatives.
Passenger-Centric Facilities Introduced
The redevelopment project has transformed the three railway stations with upgraded infrastructure while preserving the local architectural character. Passengers can now benefit from improved station buildings, larger waiting areas, enhanced lighting systems, modern restrooms, digital information displays, comfortable seating arrangements, renovated platforms, and improved circulation spaces.
Special attention has also been given to accessibility through the installation of lifts, ramps, and other facilities for persons with disabilities. In addition, landscaped surroundings, expanded parking areas, and commuter-friendly amenities have been incorporated to create a more convenient travel environment.
Lokesh Highlights Railway Transformation
Speaking during the programme at Mangalagiri, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh described Indian Railways as more than a transportation system, calling it an institution that connects people across the country while contributing significantly to economic development. He noted that generations of Indians have relied on the railway network, making it an integral part of national life.
Lokesh said the railway sector has witnessed extensive progress in recent years, with a strong focus on modernisation. He referred to the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, the implementation of Kavach safety technology, complete electrification across large sections of the network, dedicated freight corridors, hydrogen-powered train initiatives, and the redevelopment of railway stations. According to him, these initiatives represent a significant step towards strengthening India’s transportation infrastructure.
Focus on Amaravati and Regional Development
The minister also stressed that railway stations should evolve into centres supporting business activity and regional growth. He said Amaravati is being developed with integrated road, rail, and air connectivity under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
Referring to coordination between the state and the Centre, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has benefited through projects such as the South Coast Railway Zone, continued assistance for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and financial support for the Polavaram project.
Highlighting local development in Mangalagiri, he said several infrastructure works have progressed over the past two years, including underground drainage facilities, a 100-bed government hospital, temple development, and railway station modernisation. He also requested additional train halts at Mangalagiri station to accommodate increasing passenger demand and improve regional connectivity.
Amrit Bharat Scheme Expands Modern Infrastructure
Union Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar said the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality railway infrastructure across the country. He stated that the redeveloped stations combine modern passenger amenities with local cultural elements.
According to him, facilities such as lifts, additional entry and exit points, improved parking arrangements, upgraded platforms, and enhanced passenger services have been introduced as part of the redevelopment. He also observed that railway investment in Andhra Pradesh has increased since 2014, supporting projects including track doubling and tripling to strengthen rail capacity.
Rayanapadu Upgrade Expected to Improve Connectivity
Addressing the gathering at Rayanapadu, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath said Andhra Pradesh has received one of the highest allocations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with more than 70 railway stations approved for redevelopment across the state.
He stated that the redevelopment of Rayanapadu railway station, undertaken at a cost of approximately Rs 25 crore, is expected to improve transportation links and support regional development. The MP also mentioned that several railway overbridges and underpasses have been sanctioned within the Vijayawada parliamentary constituency and expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructure projects would further strengthen rail connectivity for Amaravati.