The redevelopment of Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad is nearing completion, with the Rs 334-crore project bringing a host of modern passenger facilities to the station. The newly constructed main building has already been opened for passengers, with ticketing, reservation, waiting areas, lifts and escalators now operational.
The station is being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Railway officials, including General Manager Ramashray Pandey and Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash, recently inspected the station and reviewed the progress of the remaining works.
The redeveloped station will have seven platforms connected by a spacious concourse. Other facilities being introduced include a foot overbridge, digital passenger information displays, a modern public announcement system, CCTV surveillance, fire safety arrangements, a food plaza, parking and dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones.
The station is also being integrated with other modes of transport to improve connectivity for passengers.
Signage remains a concern
While the redevelopment has improved the station’s infrastructure, passengers are facing difficulties navigating the premises during the ongoing construction work. Travellers moving between platforms, particularly platforms 1 and 3, have reportedly faced confusion due to inadequate directional signage.
The lack of clear way-finding boards can be particularly challenging for passengers unfamiliar with the station, senior citizens and those travelling with luggage. A comprehensive signage system is expected to be important for smoother passenger movement until the remaining construction work is completed.
Sabarmati loco shed to get Rs 113.63-crore upgrade
The Sabarmati Electric Loco Shed is also undergoing infrastructure upgrades at an estimated cost of Rs 113.63 crore to strengthen maintenance facilities for high-powered freight locomotives such as the WAG-12.
The planned facilities include a bogie drop pit, wheel maintenance system, automatic coach and locomotive washing plant and overhead equipment (OHE) infrastructure. The upgraded shed is being developed with maintenance requirements for around 300 WAG-12 locomotives in mind.
Railway General Manager Ramashray Pandey and DRM Ved Prakash inspected the site on August 11 and reviewed the progress of the project.
Key facilities planned at Sabarmati station
- Spacious concourse connecting seven platforms
- Waiting and retiring rooms
- Modern ticketing and reservation facilities
- Digital passenger information displays
- Modern announcement system
- Food plaza and dining facilities
- CCTV surveillance and fire safety systems
- Parking and pick-up and drop-off zones
- Multimodal transport connectivity
- Solar power and green building features