PM Modi gives railway bonanza to Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister opens, laid the foundation stone of about 6000 railway projects worth more than Rs 85,000 crores.

Raveesh Benjamin

Raipur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones of nearly 6,000 small and large railway projects, amounting to over Rs 85,000 crore, via video conferencing. Joining the event from the Raipur Railway Station’s Platform 1, Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the programme.

During the programme, Governor Harichandan and Chief Minister Sai formally unveiled inscriptions of the railway development projects in the Raipur division. Besides, Prime Minister Modi flagged off 10 new Vande Bharat Rail trains from the Ahmedabad Command Center.

MP Sunil Soni, Minister Tank Ram Verma, MLAs Purandar Mishra, Motilal Sahu, and Rajesh Munat along with officials of district and railway administration were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the programme, Prime Minister Modi stated that for the first time in the history of Railways, and even in the last 100 years, such a large number of railway projects have been launched in one programme . In the last 75 days of this New Year, a slew of development projects worth more than Rs 11 lakh crore were inaugurated, and foundation stones were laid in the country. He described this as a significant leap for the country towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the Indian Railways has historically been plagued by political interference and regional biases. He noted that in the past, the strategy for progress primarily involved increasing the number of coaches and train stoppages. He also pointed out the challenges faced by the railways, including long reservation lines, brokerage, and commission, which had significantly deteriorated its condition. Back in 2014, the capitals of 9 states lacked rail connectivity, with over 10,000 railway crossings lacking gates.

“Our government has demonstrated a strong commitment to revitalize the Indian Railways from its dire circumstances,” remarked the Prime Minister. He mentioned that the railway budget has seen a six-fold increase and is now integrated into the general budget. This structural change allows for utilizing revenue from various sources towards railway development. Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence in a monumental transformation for Indian Railways, ensuring that future generations do not endure the hardships faced by past ones. “This is Modi’s Guarantee,” he affirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the pivotal role of railways in driving national prosperity and industrial advancement. He highlighted the significant enhancements in speed achieved by establishing separate lines for passenger and goods trains, along with the construction of freight corridors facilitating rapid movement through double-decker goods trains. Furthermore, he shed light on the positive contributions made by modern railway engines, well-equipped coach factories, and Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals towards India’s development.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted recent achievements, citing advancements made over the past decade since the establishment of Gati Shakti University. He noted various initiatives, including the adoption of modern technology in manufacturing locomotive engines, the expansion of railway infrastructure through the laying of new tracks, and the modernization of stations. Additionally, he mentioned the successful exportation of domestically manufactured locomotives to countries such as Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Mozambique, demonstrating India’s growing presence in the global market.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasized sustainable practices, stating, “We are solarizing railway stations. Jan Aushadhi centers are being opened at stations, and stalls are being opened at stations for the sale of local crafts and artefacts made by local artisans, craftsmen, and women of self-help groups. The benefits of this are going directly to the local artisans. With the use of modern technologies in Railways, work is being done to connect every corner of the country with the rail network, along with this, new investments are also being guaranteed, and employment opportunities are also opening up. Our development work goes beyond political gains; it is for building the country.”

Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Indian Railways is swiftly progressing on the path of development. The operation of Vande Bharat trains and the construction of Amrit Bharat stations stand as significant proof of this advancement.

“Railways serve as the lifeline of the country, and its progress directly influences national development. Indian Railways is swiftly enhancing its infrastructure while also generating employment opportunities. Both skilled and unskilled workers are finding employment through the establishment of stalls for local products, rail coach restaurants, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras at major stations. The promotion of the ‘Vocal for Local’ approach is evident through these centers, which also serve as platforms for marketing local indigenous products and providing livelihood opportunities to local craftsmen such as potters and weavers”, he added.

The Governor also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for unveiling a plethora of railway projects in Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, in his address, stated that today is a historic day not only for the nation but also for Chhattisgarh. He extended his gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi for the recently unveiled railway projects, saying that the expansion of railway facilities in Chhattisgarh will enhance opportunities for local employment generation. He expressed appreciation to the Central Government for inaugurating sales centers under the “One Station One Product” Scheme at 32 stations in Chhattisgarh and for establishing Jan Aushadhi Centers at Janjgir-Naila and Pendra Road stations, along with other development initiatives. He further expressed hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, new avenues of development will be forged, offering improved opportunities for the people of Chhattisgarh.
In programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 43 railway projects worth nearly Rs 249 crore in Chhattisgarh. He inaugurated 40 projects costing Rs 124 crore and laid the foundation stone for 3 projects costing Rs 125 crore in the presence of Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Under the One Station One Product scheme, a total of 34 stalls were inaugurated at 18 stations across the state, including Raipur, Mandhar, Mandir Hasaud, Tilda-Neora, Sarona, and Urkura railway stations of the Raipur Railway Division. Modi also inaugurated Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Janjgir-Naila and Pendra railway stations, the upgradation of a peatline at Durg coaching depot, and a rail coach restaurant at Bilaspur. Besides, Shri Modi laid the foundation stone for the Vande Bharat Maintenance Depot in Bilaspur, the MEMU car shed expansion in Bhilai, and the construction of a new peatline in Ambikapur.