New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate five newly redeveloped railway stations in the Vadodara division of Western Railway on May 22. These stations—Dakor, Karamsad, Derol, Kosamba, and Utran—are part of the nationwide Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), which aims to upgrade over 1,300 stations into modern transit hubs. Launched two years ago, ABSS focuses on improving passenger facilities, accessibility, and incorporating local cultural and architectural elements.
The redeveloped stations incorporate sustainability, regional identity, and passenger convenience. Dakor station, a key stop for pilgrims visiting the Shree Ranchhodrai Temple, now features eco-friendly structures and religious tourism amenities. Karamsad station pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a dedicated art wall and memorial space. Derol station adopts temple-like architecture inspired by nearby pilgrimage sites, while Utran station, close to Surat’s urban area, has been upgraded for daily commuters with a sleek, accessible design.
Vadodara, an important railway hub on the busy Delhi-Mumbai corridor under Western Railway, is also the division’s headquarters. The station handles over 150 trains daily, connecting major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Howrah, making it one of the busiest junctions in western India. It features multiple platforms, electrified tracks, and advanced signaling systems to ensure efficient movement of passenger and freight trains.
The Vadodara division covers districts including Anand, Bharuch, Narmada, and parts of Surat, with over 4,400 kilometers of routes. It plays a vital role in transporting industrial goods such as chemicals, fertilizers, textiles, and petroleum, especially from Bharuch and Ankleshwar industrial centers. Ongoing modernization projects under ABSS and other initiatives are expected to further boost the division’s capacity, efficiency, and overall passenger experience.