Rs 100-crore Ambala Cantt railway station upgrade plan on cards

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ambala Division, Vinod Bhatia, on Monday said while the major Rs 100-crore project for upgrading the Ambala Cantonment Railway Station was under consideration, soft upgrade works were being carried out to improve passengers’ amenities.

The upgrading of the railway station has been a long-pending project. However, to enhance passenger facilities, the Railways have sanctioned works worth Rs 12-13 crore for the station.

Sharing details about last year’s performance, Bhatia said the division showcased exceptional performance in the financial year 2025-26, recording a total revenue of around Rs 2,835 crore.

As freight remains the major source of earnings, the division generated Rs 1,660 crore from freight revenue during the last financial year and about Rs 1,000 crore from coaching. The division also earned Rs 21.12 crore through parcel revenue.

The DRM said the division registered positive growth in the loading of fertiliser, containers and tractors. It also handled sugar, fodder, steel sheets and husk during the last financial year, besides operating 186 Annapurna freight trains carrying food grains to eastern states.

He added, “The loading of Food Corporation of India (FCI) consignments was slightly affected, but fertiliser and cement loading registered growth. The Railways are focusing on strengthening infrastructure and capital expenditure has also increased. As a result, the average speed of goods trains has risen from 18.7 kmph in 2024-25 to 24.7 kmph in 2025-26. Similarly, wagon holding improved by 10 per cent. While it stood at around 5,267 wagons in 2024-25, it reduced to 4,740 wagons in 2025-26, indicating more wagons were in operation. Electric and diesel engine utilisation has also increased by 26 per cent each.”

Apart from freight, the division has also focused on improving safety and maintenance. According to the DRM, electronic interlocking systems were introduced at Khanalampura Yard and Dhuri. Around 133 km of continuous track renewal was carried out — one of the highest ever in the history of the Ambala Division — and six level crossings were eliminated. Passenger numbers have also increased.

Regarding the long-pending work, the DRM said, “The major Rs 100-crore project for upgrading the Ambala Cantonment Railway Station is under consideration. Soft upgrade works worth around Rs 12-13 crore have been sanctioned and are being executed in a phased manner. Improvements are visible in the parking and circulating areas, and there are plans to provide a coach-based refreshment room. Ongoing work in the first-class waiting room will be completed in a few days and efforts are being made to further enhance passenger amenities.”

Meanwhile, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Ambala Division, Yashanjit Singh, said, “We are focusing on providing all facilities to passengers on trains and at railway stations. The division will continue to improve facilities, passenger convenience and revenue in the coming years.”