Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Thursday announced the redevelopment of Amritsar Junction Railway Station, with an estimated cost of Rs 402 crore, while an additional Rs100 crore has been sanctioned for the construction and augmentation of five new platforms at the station.
Bittu described the project as a major step towards transforming the historic railway station into a modern, passenger-friendly and future-ready transport hub that reflects the spiritual and cultural identity of the holy city.
He said the redevelopment plan has been designed to combine modern infrastructure with Punjab’s rich heritage and the spiritual aura of Amritsar.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the project, Bittu said the comprehensive master plan includes major yard remodelling and augmentation works to meet future operational and passenger requirements.
Under the redevelopment project, the station will be expanded with five additional platforms, including two on the north side and three on the south side, along with five additional passenger loop lines aimed at improving train handling capacity and reducing congestion.
The minister said a new Vande Bharat maintenance shed will also be developed at Amritsar to strengthen railway operations in Punjab. He added that a state-of-the-art G+10 station building with seven commercial floors has been proposed on the north side, while a spacious G+3 station building will come up on the south side.
According to the proposed plan, two new subways connecting both sides of the station will be constructed to facilitate smoother passenger movement. Modern lifts and escalators will also be installed to improve accessibility for senior citizens, women, children and disabled passengers.
The project will further include upgraded parking facilities, improved traffic circulation systems and covered drop-off zones connected directly to the station buildings.
Earlier in the day, Bittu flagged off the new Amrit Bharat Express train service between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri, from Amritsar Junction Railway Station.
Bittu also added that the weekly train service would significantly improve rail connectivity between North and Eastern India and benefit migrant workers, students, businessmen, tourists and pilgrims travelling between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
The train will connect several important cities including Ludhiana, Ambala, Gorakhpur, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Forbesganj and Siliguri.
Bittu said the Amrit Bharat Express has been designed as a modern non-AC train for common passengers and is equipped with push-pull technology and advanced LHB coaches.
He said the train offers improved safety systems, CCTV surveillance, fire safety features, mobile charging points, upgraded interiors and better passenger amenities at economical fares.
