PM lays stone for upgrade of Mata Vaishno Devi rly station

Jammu, February 26

The Mata Vaishno Devi railway station in Jammu and Kashmir’s Katra city will be redeveloped at a cost of Rs 40 crore to enhance the existing facilities and introduce new amenities for passengers.

The step is part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme under which Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 553 railway stations across the country at a cost of more than Rs 19,000 crore.

Union minister Jitendra Singh unveiled a plaque marking the formal redevelopment of the Mata Vaishno Devi railway station, which is part of his Udhampur parliamentary constituency. The station is in Reasi district.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Singh said the inclusion of the Katra station in the Amrit Bharat Station scheme is reflective of the prime minister’s special focus for the development of this region.

Recalling that the station was among the first stations chosen for the rollout of the Vande Bharat train, the minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office said it also holds the distinction of being the first station in the country where a solar power facility was unveiled.

“As part of today’s endeavour, besides the Katra station, three other stations — Udhampur, Jammu and Budgam — will also be redeveloped as Amrit stations. Among the four, three are in the Jammu region. This reinforces the prime minister’s commitment for the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh said.

He said the Katra station will emerge as an inter-modal station, integrating rail, road and air travel so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly.

Singh said Modi has chosen Katra — the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine — as part of the country’s development journey.

“Ever since Modi assumed the country’s leadership, there has been a transformation in the citizens’ mindset,” he said, adding that the prime minister has ensured a level-playing field for the welfare of every person and region in the country.

The Union Minister said it has been ensured that every citizen and region of the country utilises their maximum potential commensurate with their talent and resources. — PTI

Facility to emerge as inter-modal station

• The railway station in Katra will be redeveloped at a cost of Rs 40 crore to enhance the existing facilities and introduce new amenities
• Union Minister Jitendra Singh unveiled a plaque marking the formal redevelopment of the Mata Vaishno Devi railway station
• He said the Katra station will emerge as an inter-modal station, integrating rail, road and air travel so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly