Gujarat’s Biggest Railway Station to be Revamped: Sun Temple Theme, Airport-like Facilities; 5 Passenger Floors in 16 Buildings
Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The redevelopment of Kalupur Railway Station, the largest railway station in Gujarat, is set to commence. The inauguration is scheduled to take place through a video conference by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the upcoming 26th of February. Kalupur Railway Station will be reconstructed with a theme inspired by Modhera’s Sun Temple. The new railway station aims to be as modern as an airport, promising advanced facilities and services.
Moreover, it will connect Kalupur to Sarangpur via new roads, ensuring improved connectivity and accessibility for commuters. This redevelopment project signifies a significant stride towards enhancing Gujarat’s railway infrastructure and fostering better transportation networks in the region.
Railway Station to be Demolished and Rebuilt: Kalupur Station Redevelopment
According to Apoorva Awasthi, Joint General Manager of the Railway Land Development Authority, the redevelopment of Kalupur Railway Station will be completed within 36 months. The plan for the redevelopment has been finalized, and work is set to begin within two months for both renovation and relocation. The demolition of the Ahmedabad station will pave the way for its reconstruction.
An elevated road network, 10 meters above ground level, will connect Kalupur Bridge and Sarangpur Bridge. The plan has been drafted with consideration for both 2024 and 2060. Direct railway station access will be facilitated from Kalupur and Sarangpur. This initiative marks a significant step toward modernizing railway infrastructure and ensuring better connectivity for commuters.
Construction of 16-Storey Building Planned for Multi-Modal Transport Hub
Under this project, a multi-modal transport hub will also be built towards Kalupur. A total of 16 storey will be constructed, including two basements. Initially, parking facilities will be provided in six floors, while the upper floors (from 4th to 5th) will accommodate railway offices where all floors above will cater to passenger amenities. At a height of 10 meters, bullet train and metro stations will be accessible via walkways. This arrangement is designed to facilitate the convergence of metro, bullet train, and railway services for the convenience of the public.
Enhanced Passenger Facilities: Arrival and Departure
As part of the redevelopment of Kalupur Railway Station, spanning across 35 acres of land, separate facilities for arrival and departure will be established. These facilities will be designed on a level elevated 10 meters above ground level. The entire construction and relocation work for the redevelopment of the railway station have commenced. Currently, temporary bases for elevated parking have been set up at Kalupur Railway Station.
Kalupur Railway Station Project: A Rs. 2390 Crore Venture
The redevelopment of Delhi and Ahmedabad railway stations, major railway hubs under the Central Government, is underway. Among them, the Kalupur Railway Station project accounts for a staggering Rs. 2390 crore. With a focus on preserving heritage sites, the station’s design is being meticulously crafted to integrate these elements seamlessly. The project encompasses the design of the entire concourse area to ensure a harmonious blend of modernity and historical significance.
Commencing Railway Operations Alongside Development
One of the major challenges of the Kalupur Railway Station redevelopment project lies in its association with Gujarat’s largest and bustling Ahmedabad Railway Station. As railway operations continue at the station, work on the redevelopment project will be executed. Undertaking such extensive work amidst ongoing railway activities poses several logistical challenges. Some platforms will be closed to divert trains for construction work, while certain offices will be relocated.
Special attention will be paid to ensure minimal inconvenience to passengers. Some offices will be shifted towards the exit side of Platform 1. Initially, work will commence on shutting down two to three platforms, followed by work on other platforms. Intensive efforts will be made to carry out the work smoothly, with planning slated for the coming days to initiate the tasks efficiently.
Designing with Focus on Three Million Passengers
The platforms at Kalupur Railway Station will remain as they are, while the three lines towards the bullet train side will be widened to accommodate the upcoming changes. The project spans a period of 36 months. Currently, the station caters to 1.5 million passengers. However, with plans to focus on accommodating three million passengers in the near future, the station’s design is being precisely tailored.
Every aspect of the project is being crafted with meticulous attention to ensure passengers experience no inconvenience. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to prepare the entire project with passengers’ well-being in mind.
