Chandigarh Railway Station Redevelopment: A Leap Towards Modern Rail Infrastructure

Chandigarh, India (Urban Transport News): Chandigarh's iconic railway station is in the midst of a transformative makeover, setting a benchmark for future railway developments in India. Spearheaded by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), this redevelopment project aims to redefine railway infrastructure through modular design and prefabricated components, taking inspiration from global best practices. The project is progressing swiftly, showcasing the effectiveness of innovative construction methodologies while minimizing disruptions to regular railway operations.

Key Milestones Achieved

The redevelopment of the Chandigarh Railway Station is making significant strides across various fronts. Notable accomplishments include the Panchkula side station building, where progress has reached an impressive 75%. Foundation and framework stages are complete, and fabrication, erection, and slab casting are nearing the finish line. Plumbing and MEPF work are actively underway. Similarly, the Chandigarh side station building has achieved an overall progress rate of 65%, with completed foundation and framework stages, and ongoing deck sheeting and slab casting.

Infrastructure enhancements, such as the air concourse and foot-over bridges, are also progressing well. The foundation work for the air concourse, spanning different platforms, is finished, and materials are ready for installation after successful fabrication. Simultaneously, crucial components for passenger convenience and safety, the foot-over bridges, are advancing in foundation work and structural assembly.

Parking area development on both the Chandigarh and Panchkula sides is moving forward steadily, with completion rates of approximately 32% and 48%, respectively. Roof sheeting on platforms and platform refurbishment are in progress, promising a more comfortable environment for passengers. The sub-station work is on the verge of completion, with the Chandigarh side's foundation reaching an impressive 90%.

Vision for a Modern Transportation Hub

Ved Parkash Dudeja, Vice Chairman of RLDA, expressed excitement about the project's transformative journey. He emphasized RLDA's commitment to innovation and excellence in railway infrastructure. The modular design approach and seamless integration of modern amenities align with the vision of creating world-class transportation hubs prioritizing passenger comfort and convenience.

Holistic Approach and Future Impact

As part of the holistic redevelopment, the project includes the expansion of parking areas on both sides of the railway station. This expansion, increasing the total area from 13,720 sqm to 24,515 sqm, includes dedicated parking zones for cars, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, staff, and buses. The aim is to optimize space utilization and enhance traffic flow.

The Chandigarh Railway Station redevelopment project reflects a commitment to cost-effectiveness, shorter construction timelines, and a global design strategy adaptable to specific elements. As it nears completion, the project is poised to elevate the passenger experience, establish new benchmarks in infrastructure efficiency, and serve as a model for future railway station developments nationwide.

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) oversees railway land development and has four key mandates: leasing commercial sites, leasing multi-functional complexes, colony redevelopment, and station redevelopment. Recent redevelopment works have been awarded for various railway stations, including Somnath, Muzaffarpur, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Ajni, Surat, Chandigarh, and Delhi Cantt, among others, to be redeveloped on the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model.