Context:

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced ₹7,559 crore allocation for railway projects in Karnataka in the latest Union Budget.
• During 2009-14, only ₹835 crore annually was allocated, highlighting a nine fold increase in grant allocation.
• Currently, 31 projects are actively being implemented across the state. Total length is 2,556 km cost of ₹33,125
• Out of 21 new projects initiated recently, 395 km of work costing ₹7,592 crore has been completed.
• Overall, 907 km of work has been completed, with expenditures amounting to ₹9,791 crore so far.

Karnataka railway station:

• Hubli Railway Station in Karnatakaholds the record for the longest railway platform in world, stretching 1,505 meters.  
• Operated by South Western Railway
• Sir M Visvesvaraya Railway Terminalin Karnataka’s South India’s first fully Air Conditioned World Class Railway Station

What is the Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme?

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to redevelop 1309 stations nationwide.
• The redevelopment will provide modern passenger amenitiesalong with ensuring well-designed traffic circulation, and signage for the guidance of passengers.
• The Scheme was launched in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways.
• The Indian Railways takes pride in owning four UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites,
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka Shimla Railway.