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| 14-05-2026 | |
| Shri Ravneet Singh flags off new Amrit Bharat Express Train from Amritsar to New Jalpaigudi | |
Railways sanction the redevelopment of Amritsar Railway station with budget of 402 Crores: Shri Ravneet Singh, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries
100 Crore also sanctioned for development of five new platforms at Amritsar Railway station
Amritsar: 14-05-2026
Today marks a historic and proud moment for Punjab and the nation as we move forward with the redevelopment of the iconic Amritsar Junction Railway Station — a station that is far more than a transport hub. It is a symbol of faith, patriotism, culture, and India’s glorious heritage.Announcing the redevelopment of Amritsar Railway station, S. Ravneet Singh while addressing the media said Indian Railways has envisioned a world-class railway station that reflects the grandeur, spirituality, and cultural essence of this holy city.The proposed redevelopment project, with an estimated cost of approximately ₹402 crore, will transform Amritsar Railway Station into a modern, passenger-friendly, and future-ready transport hub. In addition, ₹100 crore has been sanctioned for reconstruction and augmentation of additional five platforms.
While thanking our Prime minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji and Railway Minister Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw ji for giving Punjab this big gift, S. Ravneet Singh further said that the redevelopment plan has been carefully designed to combine modern infrastructure with the rich cultural identity of Punjab and the spiritual aura of Amritsar.Under the comprehensive Master Plan, major yard remodelling and augmentation works are proposed to cater to future passenger and operational requirements. The station will be expanded with five additional platforms — two on the North Side and three on the South Side — along with five additional passenger loop lines to improve train handling capacity and reduce congestion.
S.Ravneet Singh further said that to support modern rail operations, a new Vande Bharat maintenance shed will also be developed at Amritsar, further strengthening Punjab’s railway infrastructure and operational efficiency.The station buildings themselves are being envisioned as landmarks of modern architecture. A state-of-the-art G+10 station building with seven commercial floors is proposed on the North Side, while a spacious G+3 station building will be developed on the South Side. These facilities will provide enhanced passenger amenities, seamless circulation, and modern commercial spaces that will contribute to local economic growth and employment generation.Passenger convenience and accessibility remain central to the redevelopment vision. Two new subways connecting the North and South sides of the station will ensure safe and smooth movement across platforms. Modern lifts and escalators will improve accessibility for senior citizens, divyangjan, women, and children.
Extensive external development is also planned, including upgraded parking facilities, improved traffic circulation systems, and modern covered drop-off zones directly connected to the station buildings.
S.Ravneet Singh today flagged off, 14664/14663 Amrit Bharat Express between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri from Amritsar Junction Railway Station.The launch of this prestigious train service marks a major step towards strengthening rail connectivity between North India and Eastern India. The train will significantly benefit migrant workers, students, businessmen, tourists, pilgrims, and families travelling between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal by providing affordable, comfortable, and modern long-distance travel facilities.The service will directly connect important cities and towns including Ludhiana, Ambala, Gorakhpur, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Forbesganj, Siliguri and several other important destinations.
Speaking on the occasion, S.Ravneet Singh said that the Amrit Bharat Express is a modern non-AC train specially designed for common passengers, offering premium long-distance travel experience at economical fares. Equipped with push-pull technology and advanced LHB coaches, the train ensures faster acceleration, improved safety, smoother travel, CCTV surveillance, fire safety systems, mobile charging points, modern interiors, improved toilets, and enhanced passenger comfort.The train will operate weekly between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri, providing a major boost to connectivity, tourism, trade, and regional development.
Commenting on the ongoing activities in Punjab, S. Ravneet Singh said that Punjab today is witnessing railway development at an unprecedented scale. The railway budget allocation for Punjab has increased to ₹5,673 crore in 2026–27, nearly 25 times higher than the annual average allocation during 2009–14. Projects worth over ₹26,000 crore are currently under execution across the state.Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 30 railway stations across Punjab are being redeveloped with world-class passenger amenities. Major stations including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Anandpur Sahib, and Muktsar are undergoing extensive modernization. The redevelopment of Chandigarh Railway Station at a cost of ₹462 crore is among the flagship projects being executed by Rail Land Development Authority.
