The iconic Chandigarh railway station is currently undergoing a transformative redevelopment, aiming to establish a new benchmark in railway infrastructure standards. This pilot project, led by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), is progressing smoothly and is anticipated to meet its completion deadline.
The innovative project incorporates modular design and prefabricated components, drawing inspiration from global best practices to minimise disruptions to railway operations. Officials report significant progress in various aspects of the Chandigarh Railway Station redevelopment.
Noteworthy achievements include the Panchkula side station building, reaching an impressive 75% completion with foundation work and framework finished, and plumbing and MEPF work in progress. The Chandigarh side station building is at 65% completion, with foundation and framework stages complete, and deck sheeting and slab casting underway.
Infrastructure enhancements at Chandigarh railway station
Infrastructure enhancements, including the air concourse and foot-over bridges, are advancing well. The air concourse foundation work is finished, and foot-over bridges, crucial for passenger convenience and safety, are progressing in foundation work and structural assembly.
Ved Parkash Dudeja, Vice Chairman of RLDA, expresses excitement about the project’s transformative journey, highlighting RLDA’s commitment to innovation and excellence in railway infrastructure. The modular design and integration of modern amenities aim to create world-class transportation hubs prioritising passenger comfort.
Efforts to develop parking areas on both the Chandigarh and Panchkula sides are progressing steadily, with completion percentages of approximately 32% and 48%, respectively. Roof sheeting on platforms and platform refurbishment are underway, and sub-station work is reaching 90% completion on the Chandigarh side.
The holistic approach of the project includes expanding the total area from 13,720 sqm to 24,515 sqm, optimising space utilisation and improving traffic flow with dedicated parking zones for various vehicles.
A global design strategy
The Chandigarh Railway Station redevelopment project emphasises cost-effectiveness, shorter construction timelines, and a global design strategy adaptable to individual elements. As the project nears completion, it aims to enhance the passenger experience, set new benchmarks in infrastructure efficiency, and serve as a model for future railway station developments nationwide.
RLDA, as a statutory authority within the Ministry of Railways, is responsible for various railway land development initiatives, including station redevelopment. Recently, RLDA has awarded redevelopment works for several railway stations, including Somnath, Muzaffarpur, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Visakhapatnam, Nagpur, Ajni, Surat, Chandigarh, and Delhi Cantt, on the EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) model.