Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Punjab on July 17 to inaugurate the redeveloped Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, along with several other railway infrastructure projects in the state. The proposed visit was announced by Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, who recently inspected the station and reviewed the final preparations.
The Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station, which is more than 110 years old, has been modernised at an estimated cost of Rs 125 crore. The redevelopment is part of the Indian Railways' Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a nationwide programme aimed at upgrading railway stations with modern passenger facilities while preserving their heritage.
According to railway officials, the upgraded station now features a double-height air concourse, new heavy steel platform roofing, slip-resistant flooring, energy-efficient LED lighting, improved passenger waiting areas, and better access from both sides of the city. Two new foot overbridges, wider circulation areas, improved parking facilities, and enhanced entry and exit points have also been added to improve passenger convenience.
During his inspection, Ravneet Singh Bittu said Indian Railways is giving the final touches to the arrangements ahead of the Prime Minister's proposed visit. Senior officials of the Ferozepur Division also reviewed security, operational readiness, cleanliness, and other logistical arrangements at the station.
Bittu said that besides dedicating the redeveloped Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station to the public, the Prime Minister is also expected to inaugurate other railway projects in Punjab, including works in Chandigarh and stations developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Reports also suggest that around 75 completed Amrit Bharat railway stations across the country may be virtually inaugurated from Jalandhar during the event.
The visit is also expected to have political significance. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is planning a major public rally in Jalandhar's Doaba region during the Prime Minister's visit. The rally is expected to mark the beginning of the party's campaign for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Railways to redevelop railway stations across the country with better passenger amenities, improved accessibility, and modern infrastructure while retaining their local identity and heritage. Jalandhar Cantt is among the key stations selected for redevelopment under the scheme.
Officials have not yet released the detailed programme of the Prime Minister's visit, but preparations at the station and other proposed venues are progressing as scheduled.