Vaishnaw, Bittu review railway station overhaul

Union Railway Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Ravneet Singh Bittu today conducted a detailed review of the ongoing Rs 462-crore redevelopment of the Chandigarh Railway Station. They said the project would transform the facility into a world-class multimodal transit hub for the entire Tricity region.

The ministers, who travelled from Delhi to Chandigarh by train and returned the same way, were received at the station by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, senior BJP leaders and local party workers, who welcomed them with “siropas” in keeping with the Sikh tradition.

Speaking to The Tribune after inspecting the work site, Vaishnaw said the project was progressing at a fast pace and was anchored in innovative design principles aimed at creating a seamless and future-ready public transport mode. “Chandigarh Railway Station is being redeveloped as a world-class station using modular pre-fabricated designs. The station will bridge the two city ends — Chandigarh and Panchkula — through a roof plaza. The work is moving rapidly and the team is putting in its best efforts,” he said.

Bittu, who has been closely monitoring the project, told The Tribune that the redevelopment — being executed by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) under the EPC model — has reached 91% physical progress and is on course for completion shortly. He said the project will radically improve passenger comfort, safety, accessibility and intermodal mobility. “We have instructed all agencies to ensure fast execution and minimise public inconvenience during peak hours. This project will redefine the travel experience for over one lakh passengers expected to use the station daily by 2061,” he said.

The redevelopment includes new G 3 station buildings on both Chandigarh and Panchkula sides, a 72-metre-wide concourse, two 12-metre-wide foot overbridges, upgraded parking spread over 24,515 sq mt, 30 lifts, 10 escalators, expansive waiting lounges, 4,000 sq mt of commercial space, retail from page 1

zones, food courts, co-working areas and barrier-free movement across the station.

The ministers earlier undertook a window-trailing inspection from New Delhi to Chandigarh, interacting with track maintainers, PWI teams and signalling staff en route to understand field challenges.

Vaishnaw shared global best practices in track and signal maintenance, urging staff to adopt higher operational and safety standards.

The visit also came hours after Vaishnaw and Bittu inspected the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, where they announced a Rs 4,500-crore modernisation plan. The ministers said the rail and semiconductor upgrades reflect the Centre’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure and high-tech capacities in Chandigarh and Punjab.

HARYANA CM PROMOTES 'VOCAL FOR LOCAL'

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday launched “Atmanirbhar Bharat Rail Passenger Connect Campaign” at Chandigarh Railway Station. He said the path to realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 lay firmly in embracing the “Vocal for Local” initiative. He said the campaign was a significant effort to take the Prime Minister’s call for a developed India and the “Vocal for Local” message to the public. Saini visited the station platform and interacted with passengers, distributing informational leaflets on “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Total cost: Rs 462 crore; being executed by RLDA under EPC model

Project progress: 91%; completion target shortly

Total development area: 1,92,248 sq mt; built-up area: 27,383 sq mt

New G 3 station buildings on Chandigarh & Panchkula sides

72-m wide, 80-m long covered concourse for seamless movement

Two 12-m wide FOBs, 30 lifts, 10 escalators for barrier-free transit

24,515 sq mt parking with integrated traffic circulation

Modern waiting areas, lounges, retiring rooms, co-working spaces

4,000 sq m commercial area with retail, food courts and kiosks

HOW PASSENGERS WILL BENEFIT

Faster, smoother and weather-protected inter-platform movement

Seamless integration of rail, bus, taxi and future mobility links

Safer, more accessible and fully barrier-free station layout

Significantly improved commuter amenities and passenger capacity

Designed to handle 1 lakh daily passengers by 2061

Enhances Chandigarh’s connectivity as a gateway to Himachal and Punjab