Ravneet Singh flags off new Amrit Bharat Express Train from Amritsar to New Jalpaigudi

May 14, 2026

Amritsar, May 14, 2026: Punjab received a major infrastructure boost today as the redevelopment of the iconic Amritsar Junction Railway Station was officially announced. Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh said the ambitious project aims to transform the historic station into a world-class, passenger-friendly transport hub while preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of Amritsar.

The redevelopment project, estimated at approximately ₹402 crore, will modernize the station with advanced passenger facilities and future-ready infrastructure. In addition, ₹100 crore has been sanctioned for the reconstruction and augmentation of five additional platforms.

Addressing the media, Ravneet Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for supporting Punjab’s railway modernization efforts. He said the redevelopment plan has been carefully designed to blend modern infrastructure with Punjab’s rich heritage and the spiritual aura of Amritsar.

Under the proposed master plan, major yard remodelling and augmentation works will be carried out to meet future passenger and operational requirements. The station will be expanded with five new platforms — two on the north side and three on the south side — along with five additional passenger loop lines to improve train handling capacity and reduce congestion.

A new Vande Bharat maintenance shed will also be developed at Amritsar to strengthen railway operations and improve maintenance efficiency in the region.

The station buildings are being planned as modern architectural landmarks. A state-of-the-art G+10 station building with seven commercial floors will come up on the north side, while a spacious G+3 station building will be developed on the south side. These facilities are expected to enhance passenger convenience and generate local employment opportunities through commercial development.

To improve accessibility and passenger movement, two new subways connecting both sides of the station will be constructed. Modern lifts and escalators will also be installed for senior citizens, divyangjan, women, and children.

The redevelopment plan further includes upgraded parking facilities, improved traffic circulation systems, and modern covered drop-off zones directly linked to the station buildings.

On the occasion, Ravneet Singh also flagged off the 14664/14663 Amrit Bharat Express between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri from Amritsar Junction Railway Station.

The newly launched weekly train service is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between North and Eastern India. It will benefit migrant workers, students, businessmen, tourists, pilgrims, and families travelling between Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

The train will connect several important cities and towns including Ludhiana, Ambala, Gorakhpur, Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Forbesganj, and Siliguri.

Speaking about the train, Ravneet Singh said the Amrit Bharat Express is a modern non-AC service designed for common passengers, offering comfortable long-distance travel at economical fares. Equipped with push-pull technology and advanced LHB coaches, the train features faster acceleration, improved safety systems, CCTV surveillance, fire safety measures, mobile charging points, modern interiors, and upgraded toilets.

He added that Punjab is witnessing railway development at an unprecedented scale. The railway budget allocation for Punjab has increased to ₹5,673 crore in 2026–27, nearly 25 times higher than the average annual allocation during 2009–14. Projects worth over ₹26,000 crore are currently under execution across the state.

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 30 railway stations across Punjab are being redeveloped with world-class passenger amenities. Major stations including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, Anandpur Sahib, and Muktsar are undergoing modernization, while the redevelopment of Chandigarh Railway Station at a cost of ₹462 crore remains one of the flagship projects being executed by the Rail Land Development Authority.