New Delhi, 7 August

A reply provided by the Union Government in the Rajya Sabha to a question raised by Mansoor Ali Khan, Rajya Sabha member has revealed that the implementation of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in Karnataka has progressed at a much slower pace than projected.

The government said 61 railway stations in Karnataka were identified for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. However, only 12 have been completed so far, meaning less than 20 per cent of the promised projects have been finished.

The Karnataka figures mirror the national trend. In India, the government announced the redevelopment of 1,340 railway stations. Yet, only 261 stations have been completed, just 19.5 per cent. In other words, nearly four out of every five stations are still incomplete, despite the scheme being announced in 2023.

Khan said, “Over the past three years, the public has repeatedly witnessed announcements and foundation-laying ceremonies for station redevelopment. However, the latest figures placed before Parliament indicate that actual project completion remains far behind the ambitious targets that were publicised. 

The parliamentary reply also raises serious concerns about transparency. Despite specific questions seeking station-wise project costs, contract award dates, and year-wise progress of completed stations, the government did not furnish this information. 

Khan said public announcements must be backed by timely execution and transparent disclosure of progress.