Airport-like facelift for Chandigarh railway station likely by Oct – ET TravelWorld

The long-cherished dream of Chandigarh and Panchkula residents to experience airport-like facilities at the Chandigarh railway station is set to become a reality by Oct this year. This announcement was made by Ashok Kumar Verma, general manager of Northern Railway, during an inspection of the station on Friday. Notably, the project has already missed two deadlines in 2024.

Accompanied by Ambala divisional railway manager (DRM) Vinod Bhatia, CPM-RLDA Balbir Singh, and senior officials from the railway and construction agencies, Verma assessed the progress of the redevelopment project. “I am quite satisfied with the progress. Nearly 80% of the work has been completed, and we are confident of launching the world-class railway station by Oct,” Verma said.

The upgraded station, being developed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), is set to bring airport-style amenities to rail passengers from Chandigarh, Panchkula, and surrounding areas. The scheme aims at modernising stations with a long-term, continuous development vision. The project’s revised budget stands at Rs 511.12 crore, up from the initially sanctioned Rs 462 crore.

Verma noted that the structural works on both Chandigarh and Panchkula sides of the station are complete, with finishing touches underway. Key features include an air concourse, foot over bridges, upgraded platforms, parking facilities, and modern finishes. “The new station will offer separate arrival and departure areas, just like an airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers,” he said.

The redevelopment also envisions the station as a new urban hub. It will include state-of-the-art passenger lobbies, a food court, paid lounges, enquiry counters, retail spaces, and administrative offices.

Highlighting a key feature, DRM Vinod Bhatia said, “The air concourse will be the most prominent element of the station. It will connect the second floors of terminal buildings on both Chandigarh and Panchkula sides. This steel structure will span across all platforms, allowing passengers to move easily across the station. The concourse will double as a waiting area and commercial space.”

Despite Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s earlier statement in Parliament that no specific timeline could be confirmed for completion, the on-ground progress has gained momentum. During the inspection, Verma also flagged a few anomalies and directed engineers to make necessary corrections to ensure timely delivery.

Once operational, the redeveloped Chandigarh Railway Station is expected to redefine passenger experience and emerge as a major transit and commercial centre in the region, said GM Verma.

Approach from Kalagram side stuck with forest dept: GM

Northern Railway GM Ashok Kumar Verma said the work on an alternate approach to railway station from Kalagram side is stuck with the forest department as some of the land falls under its jurisdiction. “We are already in negotiations with the department and soon the hindrance will be cleared making way for an alternate approach road from Kalagram side,” Verma said.

Panchkula side has 15 luxury rooms for night stay

The Panchkula side of the station is housed with 15 luxury rooms for night stay along with restaurant which will be outsourced for catering by the railways. These rooms can be availed by anyone for stay as a hotel. A railway official said that all these 15 rooms will have luxury facilities like any other hotel and the tariff for the room stay is yet to be decided. The lobby area of the hotel is complete.