New Delhi, 5 December (H.S.): Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that the rail budget allocation for Uttar Pradesh has risen nearly 18 times under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the government’s unprecedented focus on transforming railway infrastructure in the state. He noted that before 2014, Uttar Pradesh received just ₹1,100 crore, whereas the current government has increased it to ₹19,800 crore, describing it as a “historic leap for railway development.”
Speaking during the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Vaishnaw said the massive increase has accelerated key projects in the state, including new railway lines, track doubling, station redevelopment, electrification, and modernization of passenger facilities. “
This increase is not just a number—it symbolizes the central government’s strong commitment to the comprehensive development of Uttar Pradesh’s rail network,” he stressed.
Historic Investment Drives Modernization
The minister reiterated that this budgetary boost, directed by Prime Minister Modi, has enabled rapid advancement of major infrastructure projects across Uttar Pradesh. As a result, numerous redevelopment and modernization initiatives—spanning station revamps, new train services, and track expansion—are progressing at record speed.
Responding to members’ queries about connectivity improvements for Ballia and Buxar, Vaishnaw said the modernization under the Modi government has brought about “unprecedented transformation” in Indian Railways. He clarified that the surge in investment “is not just statistical growth—it is a testament to the government’s determination to expand rail development across India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.”
Vaishnaw also commended the sustained efforts of local MPs in advocating for regional projects. He reported that 82 train services currently operate from Ballia, and the town’s new station is being redeveloped with a cultural theme that reflects its historical and social legacy.
“Ballia holds a special place in India’s history. Its new station design incorporates local heritage and the cultural identity of the region,” he added.
Expanding Rail Connectivity with Heritage Focus
Addressing another query, Vaishnaw highlighted Buxar’s mythological significance, noting that the station’s redevelopment aligns with its place in the Ramayana circuit under the Bharat Gaurav Train initiative.
“Passengers arriving here share deeply emotional experiences. The new thematic design will ensure that Buxar’s cultural and religious identity is vividly experienced by every traveller,” he said.
The minister further emphasized that railway projects in both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are progressing at extraordinary speed, promising safer, smoother, and more comfortable travel for millions of passengers. “From station redevelopment to new rail lines, Indian Railways under the Modi government is advancing at an unprecedented pace in every sector,” Vaishnaw stated.
On queries related to Lakhimpur Kheri and Kushinagar, Vaishnaw assured that all raised issues have been duly recorded. He said Kushinagar, being a vital Buddhist heritage site, is under special consideration for the expansion of train services and tourism-oriented infrastructure.
Transforming Indian Railways for the Future
Vaishnaw informed the House that due to the exceptional rise in investment, infrastructure initiatives such as new routes, electrification, route diversification, and passenger facility upgrades have gained strong momentum across Uttar Pradesh.
Nationwide, hundreds of stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, transforming them into airport-grade transport hubs.He said advanced technologies, modern safety systems, high-speed trains, and dedicated logistics corridors are being integrated to make Indian Railways future-ready. “This is not just modernization—it is a transformation aimed at making railways the backbone of India’s economic growth,” he concluded.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
