CHANDIGARH: The redevelopment of Chandigarh Railway Station, being executed by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, is progressing rapidly, with approximately 90% of the works completed. Once complete, the redeveloped station will emerge as a unique, modern gateway to the Chandigarh-Panchkula region with significantly improved passenger comfort, accessibility and circulation.

The project is being executed as a challenging brownfield redevelopment of a fully operational station, where major construction, shifting of utilities and passenger facilities are being undertaken while maintaining uninterrupted train operations. The temporary inconvenience being experienced during this final phase is part of this complex transition, and RLDA is making continuous efforts to minimise its impact on passengers.

A New Passenger Experience

The redeveloped station will feature two modern G+3 station buildings, one each on the Chandigarh and Panchkula sides, connected through a massive 72-metre-wide central Air Concourse and two 12-metre-wide Foot Over Bridges.

A major architectural feature is the 180-metre-long Through Roof covering the Air Concourse and FOBs, providing extensive weather protection and giving the station a distinctive modern identity.

All six platforms are being upgraded with improved surfaces and new platform shelters. The station is also being equipped with 16 lifts and 8 escalators, providing convenient and barrier-free access for senior citizens, Divyangjan and passengers with luggage.

Circulating areas, parking and drop-off/pick-up facilities on both Chandigarh and Panchkula sides are also being substantially upgraded for safer and more organised passenger and vehicular movement.

Temporary Phase, Lasting Transformation

The project has now entered its final and operationally challenging phase. For dismantling the old Foot Over Bridge, passenger movement has temporarily been diverted through the new station buildings and central portion of the Air Concourse, despite the adjacent areas work in progress for giving more convenience to the passengers. Balance roofing, sheeting and drainage works of the Through Roof are also being completed simultaneously.

The inconvenience experienced during the recent rains is regretted and was primarily due to the ongoing roofing and drainage works. These are temporary construction-stage conditions and not representative of the facilities passengers will experience after completion. RLDA has accorded priority to completing the balance roofing, drainage and old FOB dismantling works at the earliest.

With nearly 90% work already completed, the transformation is now clearly visible. On completion, Chandigarh Railway Station will offer spacious station buildings, a large Air Concourse, extensive weather protection, modern platforms, lifts and escalators, improved accessibility and better parking and circulation facilities.

The present inconvenience is temporary, but the world-class infrastructure being created will serve passengers for decades. RLDA remains committed to completing the balance works at the earliest while ensuring safety, uninterrupted railway operations and minimum inconvenience to passengers.