Chandigarh's Railway Station Redevelopment Project Gets Deadline Extension

Chandigarh's much-anticipated transformation into a hub of modern railway infrastructure faces a setback as the Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) extended the deadline for the completion of the Chandigarh railway station redevelopment project to 31 May 2024. Initially slated for completion by 10 April 2024, the project's progress has encountered hurdles, prompting the deadline extension.

The redevelopment initiative, aimed at creating a world-class railway station with state-of-the-art facilities, was awarded to Ahluwalia Contracts in December 2022, with an estimated cost of Rs 462 crore. However, delays in construction progress have necessitated an extension, raising concerns about the project's timely delivery.

Despite RLDA officials claiming that 60 per cent of the construction work is complete, critical components such as the air concourse, foot overbridges, parking areas on the Panchkula side, and a comprehensive roof over the entire station remain unfinished. Construction of beams, columns, and walls constitute the completed portion of the project, highlighting the magnitude of pending tasks.

Saurabh Singh, Deputy General Manager (DGM) at RLDA, acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly regarding the construction of the air concourse spanning across railway tracks. This phase requires meticulous coordination with railway authorities to divert trains and relocate power supply lines, underscoring the complexity of the project.

The Panchkula segment of the project envisages a sprawling parking area spanning 4 acres, accompanied by nine commercial sites. Upon completion, the upgraded station will feature modern amenities such as state-of-the-art lobbies, a food court, a paid lounge, an enquiry counter, office and retail space, among others, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and convenience.

The Chandigarh Junction railway station, serving the tricity of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, is integral to the region's transportation network and falls under the jurisdiction of the Northern Railway zone’s Ambala Division. Despite the challenges, authorities remain committed to realising the vision of a world-class railway station, albeit with revised timelines and concerted efforts to overcome existing bottlenecks.