"Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the three redeveloped Rayanapadu, Mangalagiri and Cumbum railway stations in Andhra Pradesh under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a flagship initiative to modernise railway infrastructure and improve passenger amenities across the country. The inauguration was attended by HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Union Minister of State Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath and Rajya Sabha MP Bhashyam Rama Krishna among others. The redevelopment forms part of a wider push to upgrade regional connectivity and passenger experience.

The upgraded stations feature improved station buildings, spacious waiting halls, enhanced lighting and modern toilets together with digital passenger information systems, upgraded platforms and enhanced seating. Lifts and ramps for persons with disabilities, improved circulation areas, landscaping and better parking facilities have also been provided. The works aim to preserve the architectural and cultural identity of the region while delivering modern services and greater convenience for commuters.

Lokesh said Indian Railways had been presented as a key driver of national unity and economic growth and that the sector had seen major transformation under the current government. He highlighted developments ranging from Vande Bharat services, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project and Kavach safety technology to 100 per cent electrification, dedicated freight corridors, hydrogen-powered trains and a programme of station modernisation. He added that stations should become centres of economic activity and referenced integrated connectivity plans for Amaravati under state leadership.

The Union Minister for Communications said the scheme aims to provide world-class infrastructure while preserving local culture and noted that railway investment in the state had risen since 2014, enabling doubling and tripling of lines. At Rayanapadu, the MP said Andhra Pradesh had received the highest allocations under the scheme with over 70 stations sanctioned and that the Rs 250 million (Rs 250 mn) redevelopment would boost connectivity. Local works in Mangalagiri include underground drainage, a 100-bed government hospital and temple development undertaken in recent years. Officials sought additional train halts at Mangalagiri to serve a growing population and improve regional links."