Ghaziabad railway station to be refurbished under Amrit Bharat scheme

The Ghaziabad station will be redeveloped at a cost of ₹364 crore over the next 30 months, said officials

The Ghaziabad railway station will undergo rapid modernisation and is one of 508 Amrit Railway stations across the country whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday via video conferencing. According to officials, the Ghaziabad station will be redeveloped at a cost of ₹364 crore over the next 30 months.

A view of Ghaziabad railway station on Sunday. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

Officials aware of the matter said that the 508 stations across 27 states will be redeveloped at a cost of ₹24,470 crore, including 55 stations in Uttar Pradesh.

“The Vijay Nagar and city sides of the Ghaziabad station will be redeveloped and modernised under the plan. Among other things, a new foot over-bridge, electric sub-stations, and parking for vehicles will be built. The plan also includes the development of a concourse level to connect both building sides from the Vijay Nagar to the city side,” said a railway official involved in the project.

“The plan also includes creating modern passenger waiting rooms and redesigning platforms. We have already begun work on the project, which is expected to be completed in 30 months at a cost of ₹364 crore. The city’s footfall and population have increased over the years, necessitating redevelopment. Passengers from neighbouring cities also arrive at Ghaziabad station,” the officer added.

During his speech, the Prime Minister said that the government is working to make rail travel more accessible and enjoyable. He mentioned improved platform seating, upgraded waiting rooms, and free Wi-Fi at thousands of stations.

“Our goal is to provide the best possible experience from train to station...These Amrit Railway stations will symbolise pride in one’s heritage and instill pride in every citizen,” the Prime Minister added.

As part of the redevelopment plan, the railway ministry tweeted and shared images of the Ghaziabad station in November 2022.

The Ghaziabad station serves as a vital link on the Delhi-Howrah line, as well as trains to Hapur, Moradabad, Meerut, and Saharanpur.

According to officials, the Ghaziabad station handles approximately 280 trains (in both directions) and has an estimated footfall of 60,000 passengers.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the redevelopment plan also includes provisions for a spacious roof plaza, food court, waiting lounge, children’s play area, and designated space for local products, among other amenities.

Launched in February, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme envisages the development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term approach. It involves the preparation of ‘master plans’ and their implementation in phases to improve the amenities at the stations. The scheme was launched to redevelop 1,309 stations across the country.