Prime Minister inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations on May 22, 2025, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
The virtual ceremony, held from Bikaner, Rajasthan, marked a pivotal moment in the government’s efforts to enhance passenger amenities and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage. The ABSS, launched in 2023, aims to revamp over 1,300 railway stations across 27 states and Union Territories. With an investment exceeding ₹1,100 crore, the initiative focuses on integrating regional architectural styles with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, ensuring that each station reflects the local culture and heritage. Among the 103 stations inaugurated, five are located in Karnataka: Munirabad, Bagalkot, Gadag, Gokak Road, and Dharwad. These stations have undergone comprehensive upgrades to improve accessibility, sustainability, and overall passenger experience. Munirabad Railway Station, situated near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, has been redeveloped at a cost of ₹18.4 crore.
The station now features a new building, modern signage, lifts, a large foot overbridge, and over 3,600 square meters of platform shelters. As the nearest railhead to Hampi, Munirabad station is poised to boost tourism in the region. Gadag Railway Station, serving over 40 trains daily, has received a ₹23.24 crore facelift. The upgrades include a spacious entrance hall, dedicated parking, modern circulating area, revamped platforms with new shelters, and a 12-meter-wide foot overbridge equipped with lifts and escalators. These enhancements aim to improve connectivity to major cities such as Hubballi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Dharwad Railway Station, located on the Londa–Hubballi line, has been upgraded with an investment of ₹17.1 crore. The station now boasts a second entry, a wide foot overbridge, three lifts, two escalators, aesthetic upgrades like façade lighting, and enhanced facilities such as passenger information systems and upgraded toilets. Dharwad station connects to cities including Belagavi, Pune, Goa, and Bengaluru.
Bagalkot Railway Station, located on the Gadag–Hotgi rail line, has been redeveloped at a cost of ₹16.06 crore. The station now offers a new building, separate waiting rooms for men and women, upgraded platforms with modern shelters and toilet blocks, and a 12-meter-wide foot overbridge. These improvements enhance connectivity to Vijayapura, Solapur, and Bengaluru. Gokak Road Railway Station, situated in the Gokak taluk of Belagavi district, has undergone a major revamp costing ₹16.98 crore. Enhancements include a newly constructed G+1 building, a 3,463 square meter circulating area with smooth vehicle access, a new foot overbridge, improved lighting, signage, digital systems, and better waiting areas. The redevelopment aims to support regional development and tourism.
The ABSS focuses on transforming existing railway stations into modern, well-equipped hubs that improve passenger experience and support regional connectivity. The upgraded stations are designed to offer improved facilities, enhanced accessibility for differently-abled passengers, and sustainable infrastructure while preserving cultural heritage. This initiative is part of a broader nationwide effort to modernize over 1,300 railway stations by integrating regional architectural styles with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. The redevelopment of these stations is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for millions of passengers and contribute to the economic development of the regions they serve.
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