Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the newly redeveloped Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station on July 17 as part of a nationwide initiative to upgrade rail infrastructure. The event marks the completion of a significant modernization project aimed at enhancing passenger amenities and preserving the historical character of the 110-year-old station.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar recently conducted a final review of the station’s preparedness, accompanied by senior railway officials. Kumar inspected various sections, assessing the readiness of passenger facilities and directing officials to expedite any remaining tasks to ensure the station is fully prepared for the inauguration.
Kumar elaborated that the Prime Minister’s inauguration on July 17 will include 75 redeveloped railway stations across the country, all undertaken as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station, a landmark with a century of history dating back to the British era, has been selected as one of these stations for the official unveiling.
The redevelopment project, completed at an estimated cost of Rs 125 crore, sought to integrate modern passenger facilities with the station’s historic architecture. Design elements were thoughtfully incorporated to reflect Punjab’s rich historical and cultural heritage, aiming to create a unique passenger experience.
Significant upgrades have been implemented to enhance passenger convenience and security. These include the addition of modern ticket counters, a variety of food plazas, retail kiosks, and advanced luggage scanning systems. For travelers requiring rest facilities, separate dormitories for male and female passengers have also been developed, catering to the needs of those on long-distance journeys.
The upgraded station now boasts a spacious double-height air concourse, providing a more comfortable waiting area. Two new foot overbridges have been constructed to improve passenger movement. The platforms are now covered with heavy steel roofing, featuring slip-resistant flooring and energy-efficient LED lighting. Enhanced entry points have been established on both sides of the city, improving accessibility. Furthermore, a 40-meter wide roof now covers approximately 200 meters of platform area. A newly developed second entry building and an expanded parking area, spanning nearly 4,855 square meters, are also among the new additions.
Currently, the Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station handles an average of 7,500 passengers daily. The station is a crucial hub, serving 66 trains, including two pairs of Vande Bharat Express trains, the Humsafar Express, the Garib Rath Express, and numerous other mail, express, and passenger services, underscoring its importance in the region’s railway network.
Earlier in the progress of the redevelopment, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu had visited the station on June 8 to review the ongoing works. The project, which commenced in 2022, was initially projected for completion within two and a half years. However, the redevelopment faced delays, with the project being readied for inauguration after an approximate 18-month extension to its original timeline.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
