New Delhi [India]: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for allocating a record ₹17,155 crore for railway infrastructure in Gujarat in the 2025 Union Budget. This marks a 29-fold increase compared to the ₹589 crore allocated between 2009-2014 under the previous government.
Golden Era of Railway Development in Gujarat
Shah stated that under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s railway network, especially in Gujarat, is witnessing unprecedented growth and modernization. He highlighted several key aspects of the railway transformation:
🔹 Railway Electrification:
- In the past decade, railway electrification in Gujarat has increased 22 times.
- 97% of Gujarat’s railway tracks are now electrified, significantly boosting efficiency and sustainability.
🔹 Amrit Stations Development:
- 87 railway stations in Gujarat will be redeveloped under the Amrit Station initiative at a cost of ₹6,303 crore.
- Major stations undergoing transformation include Ahmedabad, Anand, Ankleshwar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Mehsana, Navsari, Porbandar, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Vapi.
🔹 Major Railway Station Upgrades:
- ₹5,572 crore allocated for the redevelopment of seven major stations:
- Gandhinagar Capital
- Sabarmati
- Somnath
- Udhna
- Surat
- New Bhuj
- Ahmedabad
Gandhinagar’s Railway Transformation
As the Member of Parliament from Gandhinagar, Shah expressed particular excitement about the ₹799 crore investment in redeveloping Gandhinagar station.
Impact on Gujarat’s Economy
Shah emphasized that these railway projects will enhance trade, industry, transportation, and employment opportunities in Gujarat, making the state an even stronger economic powerhouse.
With this historic ₹17,155 crore railway budget, Gujarat is poised for unprecedented rail infrastructure growth, further solidifying its position as a key hub for commerce and connectivity.