PM Modi to Inaugurate Six Redeveloped Amrit Bharat Railway Stations in Kerala

Six railway stations across Kerala, redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), are set for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through videoconferencing. According to Southern Railway sources, the event was scheduled for 17 July, with the final date confirmed by the Railway Ministry in Delhi. All redevelopment work and inspections at the stations have been completed, making them ready for handover.

Six Kerala Stations Ready for Inauguration Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

In total, 35 stations across Kerala are being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with Tamil Nadu's Chennai Park, Coonoor and Chinna Salem stations also lined up for inauguration on the same day.

Thalassery 

Redeveloped under the Palakkad division at a cost of Rs 22.32 crore. An important gateway to North Kerala, redeveloped at over Rs 22 crore with renovated station buildings, air-conditioned waiting halls, lifts and improved circulating areas, complementing the town's heritage and tourism appeal.

Tirur

Redeveloped under the Palakkad division at a cost of Rs 26.55 crore, the highest among the six stations. Located on the busy Shoranur–Mangaluru corridor, this station is linked to the birthplace of Malayalam language pioneer Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. Redeveloped at about Rs 26 crore with modern waiting halls, lifts, escalators and upgraded platforms.

Nilambur Road

Redeveloped under the Palakkad division at a cost of Rs 16.44 crore. Terminus of the scenic Shoranur–Nilambur branch line and gateway to Malappuram's forests and eco-tourism spots. Redeveloped at about Rs 17 crore with a modern station building, upgraded platforms and digital passenger information systems.

Parappanangadi

Redeveloped under the Palakkad division at a cost of Rs 14.21 crore. Serving Kerala's historic Malabar Coast, redeveloped at over Rs 14 crore with modern buildings, upgraded waiting halls and divyangjan-friendly facilities supporting coastal connectivity and tourism.

Chalakudy

Redeveloped under the Thiruvananthapuram division at a cost of Rs 9.94 crore. Gateway to the Athirappilly and Vazhachal Waterfalls, redeveloped at about Rs 8.87 crore with an upgraded station building, modern passenger information systems and better accessibility, boosting eco-tourism.

Angamali

Redeveloped under the Thiruvananthapuram division at a cost of Rs 9.28 crore. Principal rail gateway to Kaladi, birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya. Redeveloped with a new portico, air-conditioned waiting hall and upgraded platforms, strengthening pilgrimage tourism and regional connectivity.

The revamp at Kerala's six stations includes new booking offices, resurfaced platforms, pedestrian walkways, parking areas, upgraded shelters, aluminum roofing, and lifts and escalators at foot overbridges.

What is the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) is an ongoing Rs 71,000-crore Indian Railways mission launched in December 2022. It aims to redevelop over 1,300 stations nationwide by upgrading passenger amenities, improving multimodal connectivity, and blending local heritage into modern architectural design.

Key Features of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

1. Modern Amenities: Upgraded waiting halls, free Wi-Fi, roof plazas, food courts, and modern passenger information systems.
2. Accessibility: Divyangjan-friendly (disabled-friendly) infrastructure including dedicated pedestrian pathways, tactile tiles, and modern lifts.
3. Local Economic Growth: Integrates "One Station One Product" kiosks to promote local entrepreneurship and community hubs.
4. City Integration: Better town planning to connect both sides of cities and link stations with metro and bus transit.