There is good news for those going to visit Mata Vaishno Devi.
Now new facilities will be provided to passengers at Katra railway station in Jammu and Kashmir. For this, the station will be redeveloped at a cost of Rs 40 crore.
The move is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, under which Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of 553 railway stations across the country at a cost of over Rs 19,000 crore.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh unveiled a plaque marking the redevelopment of Mata Vaishno Devi railway station, which is part of his Udhampur parliamentary constituency. This station is in Reasi district.
Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, addressed a gathering on the occasion. During this, he said that the inclusion of Katra station in Amrit Bharat Station Scheme shows the special emphasis of the Prime Minister for the development of this area.
Jitendra Singh recalled that this station was one of the first stations selected for the introduction of Vande Bharat train. He said it also holds the distinction of being the first station in the country where solar power facility was introduced.
Katra station will emerge as inter-modal station
Jitendra Singh said, ‘As part of today’s effort, apart from Katra station, three other stations (Udhampur, Jammu and Budgam) will also be redeveloped as AMRUT stations.
3 out of 4 are in Jammu region. This shows the commitment of the Prime Minister for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Katra station will emerge as an inter-modal station.
It will connect rail, road and air travel together so that people can move from one mode to another without any hindrance.
Change in the mindset of citizens: Jitendra Singh
The Union Minister said Modi has chosen Katra as the base camp for pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi temple as part of the country’s development journey.
He said, ‘Ever since Modi took over the leadership of the country, there has been a change in the mentality of the citizens. The Prime Minister has ensured equal opportunities for the welfare of every individual and region of the country.
Now a poor man’s children can dream big, participate in prestigious examinations like civil services.
Can reach the corridors of power, no matter their religion, caste or region. Hopes have been rekindled and evils like corruption and nepotism have been curbed.
Railway stations will have modern passenger facilities
The 553 railway stations selected for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme are spread across 27 states and union territories.
These stations will be redeveloped at a cost of more than Rs 19,000 crore. The stations will act as a city centre, connecting both sides of the city and will have modern passenger amenities.
The stations will be redeveloped environment friendly and disabled friendly. Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 1,500 road overbridges and underpasses. One of these projects will be in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which will cost Rs 49 crore.
These road overbridges and underpasses are spread across 24 states and union territories. The total cost of these projects is approximately Rs 21,520 crore.
These will reduce congestion, increase safety and connectivity, and improve the capacity and efficiency of railways.