PM Modi virtually inaugurates redeveloped Bantwal Railway Station under Amrit Bharat Scheme
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Jul 18, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually inaugurated the redeveloped Bantwal Railway Station near BC Road as part of the Centre’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The station has been modernised at a cost of Rs 26.18 crore with upgraded infrastructure and improved passenger amenities.
Speaking at the event, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said Bantwal is among four railway stations in Karnataka and 75 stations across the country redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He noted that Prime Minister Modi dedicated all the redeveloped stations to the nation simultaneously through a video conference from Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station in Punjab.
"The redevelopment of these stations will greatly enhance passenger convenience and promote tourism. Puttur Railway Station should also be included under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, while Konkan Railway and Indian Railways should work together for the overall development of the region," Chowta said.
The revamped station now features upgraded waiting halls, a modern booking office, improved interiors, a redesigned facade, landscaped surroundings, energy-efficient lighting, and aesthetically designed entrance and exit arches. The circulating area has been expanded from 384 sq m to 9,354 sq m, with separate pick-up and drop-off zones and a dedicated 3,837 sq m parking area for two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Platform facilities have also been significantly enhanced. The shelter on Platform No. 1 has been expanded from 405 sq m to 3,874 sq m, while Platform No. 2 now has a newly constructed 5,128 sq m covered shelter. Passenger amenities include spacious waiting halls, an infant nursing cubicle, a cafeteria with kitchen, a lift on the existing foot overbridge, an auto stand, Wi-Fi connectivity, coach guidance display boards, and several other modern facilities.
MLC Kishore Kumar Puttur and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The inauguration celebrations also featured cultural performances. Singer Hamsini Kumar presented Kannada and Tulu songs, while students from SVS English Medium School, Bantwal, Sri Rama Vidyakendra, Kalladka, Infant Jesus English Medium School, Modankapu, and Government High School, Ajjibettu performed traditional Chende drumming, Taala, and Yakshagana. Railway employees also presented cultural programmes during the event.