The redevelopment of Ahmedabad Railway Station, slated for completion by 2027 is set to bring significant improvements in transportation and public amenities, while preserving the historic structures located within the station.
The project, which has been in the works for several years, focuses on integrating various transport systems, including the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro and the upcoming High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train).
Historic Brick Minarets to be preserved with new pedestrian plaza
One of the recent decisions in the redevelopment plan is the protection of the iconic brick minarets near Platform 1. These historical structures, which have been at the centre of a prolonged legal battle, will remain untouched as part of the Railway Land Development Authority’s (RLDA) commitment to preserving Ahmedabad’s heritage.
To maintain the integrity of the minarets, a six-lane elevated road will curve around them, ensuring that the surrounding “prohibited zone” remains undisturbed. This area will also be transformed into a pedestrian plaza, enhancing the station’s aesthetic and providing a more pleasant environment for commuters.
8.5 km elevated road planned to ease traffic congestion around Kalupur Main Road
The station’s expansion includes a new, 8.5 km elevated road network designed to ease traffic congestion around Kalupur Main Road. The new flyovers will connect the Kalupur and Sarangpur Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), providing smoother access to the station and reducing traffic bottlenecks in the city’s crowded old town.
This elevated road system, along with the integration of multiple transport modes, is expected to drastically improve the flow of traffic and reduce delays for commuters.
Modern amenities, separate departure and arrival areas & more
The project also plans to increase the number of railway tracks at the station from nine to twelve, which will allow for greater capacity and a smoother flow of trains. Currently, the station handles about 1.2 lakh passengers daily, but with the expansion, the station will be able to accommodate up to 3.1 lakh passengers by 2053.
To improve passenger experience, additional lifts, escalators, and staircases will be added to each platform, alongside dedicated tunnels for parcel movement and more parking spaces for over 3,300 cars.
The redevelopment will also feature separate departure and arrival areas, similar to airport terminals, making it more efficient for travelers to transition between modes of transport without exiting the premises. The integration of the Metro, High-Speed Rail, and other public transport systems will make it easier for people to use different services without hassle, encouraging greater use of public transport.
