Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ayodhya to mark the inauguration of the first phase of the newly redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station. The visit focused on unveiling modern infrastructure projects, enhancing connectivity, and revamping civic facilities in Ayodhya.
In a grand ceremony, PM Modi flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains, strengthening connectivity between Darbhanga – Ayodhya Dham – Anand Vihar Terminal and Malda Town – Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru). Additionally, six new Vande Bharat Express trains were inaugurated, connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra – New Delhi, Amritsar – Delhi Jn., Coimbatore – Bengaluru Cantt., Mangalore – Madgaon, Jalna – Mumbai, and Ayodhya Dham – Anand Vihar Terminal.
The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the Rooma – Chakeri – Chandari Third Line Project, part of the Jaunpur-Ayodhya-Barabanki Doubling Project, and the Doubling and Electrification of Malhaur – Daliganj Railway Section.
Key Highlights of the Redeveloped Ayodhya Dham Railway Station:
- The triple-storied Ayodhya Dham Railway Station building covers a footprint of 140m x 32.6m, with an additional front porch of 140m x 12m.
- Passenger-friendly features include lifts, escalators, food plazas, shops for puja needs, cloakrooms, infant care rooms, and waiting halls on the ground and first floor.
- The station building is ‘Accessible for All’ and ‘IGBC Certified Green Station Building.’
- The redevelopment project cost approximately Rs. 241 Crores.
Amrit Bharat Trains:
- Two new Amrit Bharat Trains were flagged off, connecting Darbhanga – Ayodhya Dham – Anand Vihar Terminal and Malda Town – Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminus (Bengaluru).
- The LHB Push Pull Rake with Non-AC Coaches offers innovative features such as better LED lighting, CCTV, public information systems, foldable snack tables, mobile charging points, and aesthetically pleasing seat designs.
Six New Vande Bharat Trains:
- Vande Bharat Express trains were inaugurated, connecting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra – New Delhi, Amritsar – Delhi Jn., Coimbatore – Bengaluru Cantt., Mangalore – Madgaon, Jalna – Mumbai, and Ayodhya Dham – Anand Vihar Terminal.
- These trains aim to improve connectivity across various states and offer faster travel times.
Doubling and Electrification Projects:
- Rooma – Chakeri – Chandari Third Line Project (Cost: Rs. 182 Crores)
- Jaunpur-Ayodhya-Barabanki Doubling Project (Cost: Rs. 1919 Crores)
- Doubling and Electrification of Malhaur – Daliganj Railway Section (Cost: Rs. 200 Crores)
The initiatives aim to decongest rail sections, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to the environmental sustainability of rail travel.