Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the Karni Mata temple in south Bikaner and sought blessings before heading to the Nal Airbase. The Nal Airbase was one of the targets during Operation Sindoor.

The Deshnoke railway station, located near the Karni Mata temple, has been revamped with improved passenger facilities. Its design takes inspiration from temple architecture to better serve the large number of pilgrims, according to a PTI statement.

PM Modi visited the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner. There, he met with members of the Armed Forces and boosted their morale.

He virtually inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat stations across 18 states from Rajasthan. He also dedicated 43 projects worth ₹23,400 crore to the nation.

The Prime Minister inaugurated ₹26,000 crore worth of projects in Rajasthan. He also flagged off a new express train that will run between Bikaner and Mumbai, expanding long-distance connectivity from Rajasthan.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the event.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term plan to upgrade railway stations across India in phases. Authorities prepare customized development plans for each station and carry out upgrades based on the station’s specific needs.

The scheme focuses on improving station infrastructure. It includes modernizing station buildings, connecting both sides of cities through stations, and improving links with other transport options like buses and metro services. The plan prioritizes accessibility for people with disabilities. It also promotes green practices, introduces noise-reducing tracks, and encourages comprehensive planning to improve the environment. The goal is to transform railway stations into city centres that serve multiple purposes beyond transportation.

Indian Railways leads this initiative to modernize infrastructure and improve travel experiences. The scheme includes building new amenities like well-designed façades, renovated platforms, landscaped zones, roof plazas, kiosks, food courts, and children’s play areas. It also involves widening approach roads, clearing encroachments, installing clear signage, creating pedestrian paths, expanding parking, and improving lighting.

The scheme encourages designs that reflect local culture, architecture, and heritage. For instance, Ahmedabad station draws inspiration from the Modhera Sun Temple, and Dwarka station takes cues from the Dwarkadheesh Temple.

Gandhinagar became the first station upgraded under this scheme in 2021. It now features a five-star hotel along with modern facilities.

The scheme incorporates eco-friendly practices such as noise-reducing tracks and comprehensive environmental planning to improve the station surroundings.

Here is the full list of Amrit Bharat stations inaugurated today:

Assam – Haibargaon

Bihar – Pirpainti, Thawe

Chhattisgarh – Dongargarh, Bhanupratappur, Bhilai, Urkura, Ambikapur

Gujarat – Samakhiali, Morbi, Hapa, Jam Wanthali, Kanalus Junction, Okha, Mithapur, Rajula Junction, Sihor Junction, Palitana, Mahuva, Jam Jodhpur, Limbdi, Derol, Karamsad, Utran, Kosamba Junction, Dakor

Haryana – Mandi Dabwali

Himachal Pradesh – Baijnath Paprola

Jharkhand – Sankarpur, Rajmahal, Govindpur Road

Karnataka – Munirabad, Bagalkot, Gadag, Gokak Road, Dharwad

Kerala – Vadakara, Chirayinkeezh

Madhya Pradesh – Shajapur, Narmadapuram, Katni South, Shridham, Seoni, Orchha

Maharashtra – Parel, Chinchpokli, Vadala Road, Matunga, Shahad, Lonand, Kedgaon, Lasalgaon, Murtizapur Junction, Devlali, Dhule, Savda, Chanda Fort, NSCB Itawri Junction, Amgaon

Puducherry – Mahe

Rajasthan – Fatehpur Shekhawati, Rajgarh, Govind Garh, Deshnoke, Gogameri, Mandawar Mahuwa Road, Bundi, Mandal Garh

Tamil Nadu – Samalpatti, Tiruvannamalai, Chidambaram, Vriddhachalam Junction, Mannargudi, Polur, Srirangam, Kulitturai, St Thomas Mount

Telangana – Begumpet, Karimnagar, Warangal

Uttar Pradesh – Bijnor, Saharanpur Junction, Idgah Agra Junction, Goverdhan, Fatehabad, Karchana, Govindpuri, Pokhrayan, Izzatnagar, Bareilly City, Hathras City, Ujhani, Siddharth Nagar, Swaminarayan Chappia, Mailani Junction, Gola Gokarannath, Ramghat Halt, Suraimanpur, Balrampur

West Bengal – Panagarh, Kalyani Ghoshpara, Joychandi Pahar

While speaking at a gathering in Bikaner, PM Modi said, "We are spending 1.5 times more on infrastructure now. Even the world is amazed at how fast we are developing in every direction across the country."

PM Modi addressed the public and said, "Today, I came to you after seeking blessings from Karni Mata. With Her grace, our resolve to build a developed India has become even stronger."

Modi said he had given a free hand to all three branches of the armed forces after the terror attack in Pahalgam. "Our three forces forced Pakistan to its knees," he said.

He added, "They thought India would stay silent. They never expected us to hit back. The same people who were proud of their weapons are now buried under rubble."

PM Modi said that the Indian Air Force destroyed the Rahim Yar Khan Airbase in Pakistan's Punjab province. "Rahim Yar Khan Airbase is now in the ICU," he stated.

He also said, "The bullets fired in Pahalgam pierced the hearts of 140 crore Indians. Every Indian stood together and vowed to eliminate terrorism. Our sisters lost their vermilion, but the bravery of our forces helped us fulfill our promise."

He added, "We gave full freedom to our three forces. They set such a smart trap that Pakistan had no choice but to surrender. Our forces destroyed terrorist hideouts in only 22 minutes after the Pahalgam attack."

Defending the move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, PM Modi said the water rightfully belongs to India. He warned Pakistan that if another attack happens, India will decide the timing and location of its response. "Our next strike will be beyond their imagination," he said.