His Excellency, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya of Sikkim, participated in a landmark occasion today at Khanikhola, Rangpo, as the virtual Foundation Stone Laying/Inauguration/Dedication ceremony for the Redevelopment of 554 Railway Stations and 1500 Rail Flyovers/Underpasses was officiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The grand initiative, estimated at over Rs. 41,000 crore, was inaugurated via video conference at Khanikhola Rangpo, synchronously with similar events across the nation. In attendance alongside the Governor were esteemed dignitaries including Smt. Darshana Singh, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Mr. LB Das, Minister of Urban Development Department and Food & Civil Supplies Department; Mr. DR Thapa, Member of Legislative Assembly; Mr. Amar Ajit Gautam, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), accompanied by DC Pakyong, Sr. SP Pakyong, and SDM Rangpo.
During the virtual conference, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the design of the Rangpo Railway station will intricately reflect the rich local culture, heritage, and architectural essence of Sikkim. Underscoring the collective spirit of India, he articulated the nation’s ambitious dreams and the collaborative efforts underway to transform those dreams into tangible realities. He accentuated the pivotal role of India’s resolve in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and enhancing the railway experience through Viksit Railway. The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to elevate the railway station experience for passengers, incorporating key enhancements such as improved accessibility, air concourses, wider Foot Over Bridges (FOB), more spacious waiting areas, upgraded toilet facilities, and the installation of lifts and escalators for seamless mobility. Moreover, passengers will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, kiosks offering local products, executive lounges, and business meeting spaces, all designed to enrich the overall travel experience.
Simultaneously, the 1,500 ROB/RUB projects endeavor to address critical transportation challenges, offering tangible benefits to the public by easing traffic congestion, enhancing safety, and improving transportation network efficiency. These bridge constructions, both over and under, will alleviate congestion, reduce pollution levels, and shorten travel times, thereby enhancing user comfort and road mobility. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya commended his visionary leadership for initiating the redevelopment of 554 railway stations and 1,500 road structures through the Amrit Bharat Station Yojna. The inauguration of the Rangpo Railway Station was hailed as a historic milestone for Sikkim, underlining its pivotal role in the context of Viksit Bharat @2047 and its potential to bolster the tourism sector by offering expedient and accessible travel options.
