Sabarmati Railway Station has undergone remarkable transformation under PM Modi: Amit Shah
Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurates railway projects worth over Rs 1,542 crore at Sabarmati, highlighting the station's massive transformation.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has hailed the massive overhaul of the Sabarmati Railway Station, describing it as an unimaginable transformation from its state in the 1980s. Speaking at a grand event in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the Union Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various railway projects valued at over Rs 1,542 crore, marking a new era of safety, efficiency, and modern infrastructure for Indian Railways.
A Journey from 1980s Struggles to Modern Connectivity
Recalling his personal experiences, Amit Shah noted how much the landscape has changed. He remarked that during his travels from Delhi, he remembered a time when passengers had to walk nearly two kilometres just to find a rickshaw at the station. Today, that struggle is a thing of the past.
The revamped Sabarmati station now serves as a seamless multi-modal hub. Key improvements include:
- Enhanced passenger safety and facility upgrades.
- Direct and improved connectivity to the Metro Rail.
- Integrated access to bus stations.
- Proximity and links to the upcoming bullet train station.
The Power of 'Make in India': The WAG-12 Locomotive
Highlighting the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Union Minister spoke about the technological leap in locomotive power. He introduced the 12,000 horsepower twin-section engine, which is a game-changer for freight transport.
"This is an engine that can single-handedly pull cargo equivalent to nearly 600 trucks," Shah stated. He noted that while two locomotives were previously required for such tasks, a single WAG-12 can now do the job. Crucially, he mentioned that 94% of the cost of this engine is currently incurred within India, with a goal to reach 100% indigenous production within three years.
Leading the Green Revolution: First LNG Train Flagged Off
In a significant move toward a sustainable future, Amit Shah flagged off the country’s first LNG-powered train. This initiative underscores the Indian Railways' commitment to a diesel-free future and the conservation of foreign exchange.
The Minister provided striking data on the railway's shift toward green energy:
- Diesel Reduction: Consumption has plummeted from 293 crore litres in 2015-16 to 108 crore litres in 2024-25, with a target of zero diesel by 2030.
- Electrification Surge: In 2010-11, only 75 kilometres were electrified annually; in 2023-24, that figure skyrocketed to 7,188 kilometres in a single year.
Massive Budgetary Boost for Gujarat
Comparing current allocations to previous eras, Amit Shah highlighted the unprecedented financial support provided to Gujarat's rail network. He pointed out that between 2009 and 2014, the state received just Rs 589 crore over five years. In stark contrast, the allocation for the 2026-27 Budget alone stands at a staggering Rs 17,366 crore.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also addressed the gathering, noting that the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ is being organized to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of service. He credited the Prime Minister's visionary leadership, supported by Amit Shah's efforts, for achieving decisive milestones such as the abrogation of Article 370 and strengthening internal security.