Kadaba: Subrahmanya Road (Nettana) railway station in Dakshina Kannada district has undergone a major transformation with the completion of redevelopment works costing Rs 23.73 crore under the Central government’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The modernised station, which serves as an important gateway for pilgrims visiting prominent religious destinations such as Kukke Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala and Sowthadka, is set to provide an enhanced travel experience for passengers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped railway station on Friday, marking an important milestone in the improvement of railway infrastructure in the coastal region.
The redevelopment project has introduced several modern passenger amenities while retaining elements of traditional architecture. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to strengthen rail connectivity to some of the region’s most prominent pilgrimage centres and provide greater convenience to devotees and tourists travelling from different parts of the country.
Rs 23.73-crore redevelopment under Amrit Bharat scheme
The redevelopment of Subrahmanya Road railway station was announced in the Union Budget for 2023-24 as part of the Indian Railways’ efforts to modernise railway stations across the country.
The project was undertaken under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a Central government initiative aimed at improving railway infrastructure through comprehensive station redevelopment. The scheme focuses on enhancing passenger facilities, improving accessibility, upgrading station buildings and creating better spaces for passengers.
Subrahmanya Road railway station was among the stations selected for modernisation under this initiative. With an investment of Rs 23.73 crore, the station has received a significant infrastructure upgrade.
The redevelopment has been planned to address the requirements of passengers while accommodating the growing importance of the station as a transit point for religious tourism. Although the major works have been completed, some minor works are still being carried out at a brisk pace.
Traditional architecture meets modern amenities
One of the notable features of the redevelopment is the architectural design of the station building. The structure has been developed in a traditional architectural style, reflecting the cultural character of the region, while incorporating contemporary facilities required for a modern railway station.
The upgraded station features a new entrance designed to improve passenger movement and accessibility. A bus bay has also been provided to facilitate smoother connectivity between railway services and road transport.
Parking facilities for two-wheelers and other vehicles have been developed to accommodate passengers arriving at the station by private transport. These facilities are expected to make boarding and alighting more convenient, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons.
A new parcel office has also been constructed as part of the project, strengthening the station’s supporting infrastructure.
Passengers can now make use of an air-conditioned waiting room, providing a more comfortable environment while waiting for trains. Escalator facilities have also been introduced to improve passenger movement within the station, particularly benefiting senior citizens and those who may find conventional staircases difficult to use.
Wi-Fi connectivity has been made available, enabling passengers to access internet services while at the station.
Improved flooring, roofing and passenger spaces
The redevelopment has also focused on improving the overall appearance and functionality of the station premises.
Granite flooring has been laid across the station, giving the premises a modern finish while providing a durable surface for passenger movement.
The areas designated for passenger rest have been enhanced with attractive paintings, adding colour and visual appeal to the station environment. These artistic elements also contribute to creating a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors arriving in the region.
A modern roofing structure has been constructed to improve the station’s infrastructure and provide better covered spaces for passengers.
Together, these improvements are aimed at making the station more organised, comfortable and passenger-friendly. The combination of upgraded infrastructure, improved waiting facilities and enhanced accessibility is expected to make a noticeable difference to the experience of commuters and long-distance travellers.
Boost to pilgrimage and tourism in Dakshina Kannada
Subrahmanya Road railway station occupies an important position in the railway network serving Dakshina Kannada’s religious tourism circuit.
The station provides rail connectivity for devotees visiting Kukke Subrahmanya, one of the country’s prominent centres of Naga worship. The temple attracts large numbers of devotees throughout the year, particularly during important religious occasions and festivals.
The station also serves as an access point for travellers heading towards Dharmasthala, an important pilgrimage destination known for the Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, and Sowthadka, which is also visited by devotees.
Pilgrims travelling from different parts of Karnataka and other states frequently depend on railway connectivity to reach these destinations. Consequently, improvements at Subrahmanya Road railway station are expected to benefit not only local passengers but also visitors undertaking religious journeys.
The availability of better waiting facilities, parking arrangements, escalators and improved passenger infrastructure is expected to make travel more convenient for devotees, families and senior citizens.
The railway station’s modernisation could also contribute to tourism-related economic activity in the surrounding areas. Improved passenger facilities can support the movement of visitors and create better opportunities for businesses and service providers catering to pilgrims and tourists.
508 stations selected under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The redevelopment of Subrahmanya Road railway station is part of a nationwide railway infrastructure modernisation initiative.
As part of the celebrations marking 75 years of India’s Independence, the Railway Ministry selected 508 railway stations across various states for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The initiative seeks to transform selected stations into modern transport facilities through improvements in infrastructure, passenger amenities, accessibility and station surroundings.
The redevelopment of Subrahmanya Road railway station represents an important addition to this initiative in the coastal Karnataka region.
With an investment of Rs 23.73 crore, the upgraded station is expected to strengthen the region’s transport infrastructure and improve access to important religious destinations.
The inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will formally mark the opening of the redeveloped facility. Once the remaining minor works are completed, passengers are expected to benefit from a more comfortable and modern railway station, further strengthening Subrahmanya Road’s role as a gateway to Dakshina Kannada’s important pilgrimage centres.