Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually inaugurated the redeveloped Koppal station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

The inauguration was conducted virtually from Jalandhar Cantonment in Punjab as part of a nationwide programme in which 75 redeveloped railway stations, including four in Karnataka, were dedicated to the nation.

More than 50 stations in Karnataka are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Of these, the stations at Koppal, Bantwal, Badami and Alnavar have been completed and opened for public use.

The redeveloped Koppal station has been equipped with modern passenger amenities, including high-tech escalators, 12-metre-wide foot overbridges, lifts, separate entry and exit gates, improved waiting halls, free Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, expanded parking facilities, longer platforms, enhanced lighting and barrier-free access for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The station also features landscaped surroundings and upgraded circulation areas.

The redevelopment of Koppal railway station has been carried out at an estimated cost of ₹21.14 crore, while around ₹80 crore has been spent on upgrading the four railway stations inaugurated in Karnataka.

Hasansab Nabisab Dotihal, chairman of Tungabhadra Command Area Development Authority (CADA), said Koppal, being a district headquarters, had required a modern railway station with improved passenger facilities. He described the redevelopment as an important milestone in the district’s infrastructure development.

He also urged authorities to prepare a proposal for providing direct rail connectivity between Kushtagi and Bengaluru, in addition to the existing link to Hubballi, and submit it to the Union government. He expressed confidence that Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna would help secure more railway services for the district.

Padma Shri awardee Bhimavva Shillekyathar and freedom fighter Narayana Acharya Srinivas Acharya were felicitated by the Railway Department. Prizes were also distributed to school and college students who won competitions organised to create awareness about the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.