Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS): Tamil Nadu's redeveloped railway stations reach 26 as PM Modi inaugurates five more

Key facts

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (October 11, 2026) inaugurated five redeveloped railway stations in Tamil Nadu — Ambasamudram, Palani, Namakkal, Paramakkudi and Vellore Cantonment — taking the state's total redeveloped stations to 26 out of 77 under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was launched in 2022 for development and upgradation of stations across the Indian Railways network, with a long-term vision of master plans, multimodal connectivity and better passenger accessibility.
• All five newly inaugurated stations fall under the Southern Railway zone and have been upgraded with facilities for passengers with disabilities, including ramps, lifts and accessible toilets.
• Palani railway station in Dindigul district, a gateway to the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, was redeveloped at a cost of around Rs 20 crore.
• 51 more Tamil Nadu stations, including Chennai Egmore, Coimbatore Junction, Madurai Junction and Tambaram, are planned for redevelopment under the scheme.
• Ambasamudram station serves Tirunelveli district and is the nearest railway station to Papanasam, located about 5 km away.
• Namakkal railway station is located on the Salem–Karur section and serves Namakkal district.
• Paramakkudi railway station serves Ramanathapuram district and is an important rail link for pilgrims and tourists travelling to Rameswaram.
• Vellore Cantonment railway station is located in the heart of Vellore city on the Katpadi–Villupuram railway section.