Prayagraj,

18 March (HS): In a spirited address to the Lok Sabha during the discussion on

the Union Budget (Second Stage), Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw,

underscored the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s railway

infrastructure, specifically highlighting the ongoing redevelopment of the

Prayagraj Railway Station.

Addressing

the House, Minister Vaishnaw noted that while Prayagraj has historically been a

significant cultural and political hub—represented and visited by numerous

Prime Ministers over the decades—the station's infrastructure remained largely

stagnant for a long period. The

Minister emphasized that the Nav-Nirman (reconstruction) of

Prayagraj Station is a priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra

Modi, aimed at providing world-class facilities to millions of pilgrims and

passengers.

Vaishnaw

posed a pointed question to the opposition, asking why, despite the city's

importance, previous administrations failed to take up the comprehensive

redevelopment of the station. The Minister reiterated that the current

government’s approach is not merely about incremental changes but a total

transformation of the railway experience, integrating modern amenities with the

city's heritage.

A

Member of Parliament mentioned the many Prime Ministers who have come from or

visited Prayagraj. I want to ask: if so many Prime Ministers were there, why

did none of them, especially from the Congress, take up the task of

redeveloping Prayagraj Station? It is only under Prime Minister Narendra Modi

that this work has finally been initiated, retorted Ashwini Vaishnaw,

Minister of Railways.

The

redevelopment of Prayagraj Junction is part of a broader national initiative to

transform major railway stations into City Centers, featuring

segregated arrival/departure gates, spacious roof plazas, and seamless

connectivity with other modes of transport. The Minister concluded by

reaffirming that the Ministry of Railways is working on a mission mode to

ensure that the infrastructure at Prayagraj is ready to handle the immense

footfall for future events, including the upcoming Mahakumbh, ensuring a

dignified and efficient experience for all.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi