Indian Railways has approved Rs 402 crore for the redevelopment of Amritsar railway station. An additional Rs 100 crore has also been sanctioned for the construction of new platforms, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said on Thursday. The project aims to provide world-class passenger facilities and give a new identity to the holy city of Amritsar, he added.
Bittu thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their focus on Punjab’s development and strengthening railway infrastructure across the country.
"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,” the minister made the remarks after flagging off the 14664/14663 Amrit Bharat Express between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri from Amritsar Junction.
Announcing the redevelopment plan, Bittu said Indian Railways aims to transform the station into a world-class facility that reflects the cultural richness and spiritual identity of Amritsar.
The project, estimated at around Rs 402 crore, will turn Amritsar station into a modern, passenger-friendly and future-ready transport hub. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been approved for rebuilding and expanding five additional platforms. He said the plan has been designed to combine modern infrastructure with Punjab’s cultural identity and the spiritual significance of Amritsar.
Under the master plan, major yard restructuring and expansion work will be carried out to handle future passenger rush and improve train operations. The station will be expanded with five new platforms, including two on the north side and three on the south side. Five additional loop lines will also be added to reduce congestion and improve train movement.
Bittu said a new Vande Bharat maintenance shed will also be set up in Amritsar to improve railway operations and infrastructure in Punjab. The station buildings will be developed as modern architectural landmarks.
A G+10 building with seven commercial floors is planned on the north side, while a G+3 building will be constructed on the south side. These will provide better passenger facilities and create commercial opportunities.
Passenger comfort and accessibility will be a key focus. Two new subways will connect the north and south sides of the station for smooth movement across platforms. Lifts and escalators will also be installed for senior citizens, divyangjan, women, and children. The plan also includes upgraded parking areas, improved traffic flow, and covered drop-off zones directly linked to station buildings.
While flagging off the Amrit Bharat Express, Bittu said the new train marks an important step in improving rail connectivity between northern and eastern India. The train will benefit migrant workers, students, traders, tourists, pilgrims, and families travelling between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal by offering affordable and comfortable travel.
It will connect major cities, including Ludhiana, Ambala, Gorakhpur, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Forbesganj, and Siliguri, among others. He said the Amrit Bharat Express is a modern non-AC train designed for common passengers, offering better comfort at low fares.
The train comes with modern coaches, faster acceleration, CCTV cameras, fire safety systems, mobile charging points, improved interiors, and better toilets for passenger comfort. It will run weekly between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri and boost connectivity, tourism, trade, and regional development.
Bittu said Punjab is currently witnessing railway development at an unprecedented scale. He said railway allocation for Punjab has increased to Rs 5,673 crore in 2026–27, nearly 25 times higher than the 2009–14 average. Projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore are under execution in the state.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 30 railway stations in Punjab are being upgraded with modern facilities. Major stations, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Anandpur Sahib, and Muktsar are also being modernised.
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