Udhna Railway Station in Gujarat, operated by Western Railway, is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment to establish itself as a world-class transportation hub. This transformation is part of the Indian Railways' ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a program aimed at upgrading and modernising 1,275 railway stations across the country. Within Gujarat, 87 stations have been earmarked for transformation.
The approved budget for the redevelopment of Udhna Railway Station is Rs 2.23 billion. The project is currently underway and is expected to be completed within 24 months. Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, has confirmed the rapid progress of the project, with the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract already awarded.
Various preliminary tasks, such as site surveys, geotechnical investigations, and soil examinations, have been successfully completed. Additionally, the existing Railway Protection Force (RPF) Quarters on the west side have been dismantled to make room for the construction of new quarters. The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters have been relocated and are now operational.
The redevelopment plan includes the construction of modern and state-of-the-art station buildings on both the east and west sides of Udhna Railway Station. These buildings will be connected by Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) and an air concourse spanning the tracks and platforms, enhancing connectivity for passengers. The concourse area will span a spacious 2,440 square meters, providing ample waiting spaces, passenger amenities, and facilities to alleviate platform overcrowding.
The architectural design of the new station buildings aims to create a unified theme, with appealing facades, finishes, colours, materials, and textures. Notably, the Main Station Building on the east side will feature a distinctive clock tower, serving as an iconic symbol for the station. The west side façade will reflect the vibrant ambiance of Udhna city.
The redevelopment of Udhna Railway Station holds significant economic potential due to its strategic location and connectivity. It is expected to stimulate trade and commerce, positioning Udhna as a major business and trading centre. The station serves as a vital transportation link within Gujarat and to other parts of the country, connecting passengers to major cities and towns.
With the project progressing rapidly, the transformation of Udhna Railway Station into a modern and iconic landmark will enhance the travel experience for passengers while contributing to the economic growth and development of the region.