Chandigarh railway station: Platform no. 1 to be closed for a month in July

But these days, it’s the absence of a roof over platform no, 2 that is troubling many passengers in the summer heat.

Senior officials said the delay is primarily due to incomplete platform work, which would require temporary suspension of train services and would cause disruptions. To avoid such inconvenience and ensure smoother travel experience, officials have extended the project timeline. Currently, 67 per cent of the redevelopment has been completed.

Platform number 2 is currently without a shed because of the ongoing development. This has left passengers exposed to the harsh conditions of the current heatwave, forcing many to seek shelter on the stairways. An elderly passenger waiting on platform 2 expressed his frustration: “The government’s negligence is going too far these days. In such extreme heat, the authorities should at least provide some small shelters on platform 2. Waiting and sitting on the stairs is risky and already crowded. As an old man, I have no choice but to sit here and wait because I can’t quickly move from platform 1 to platform 2 when the train arrives.”

Mandeep Singh Bhatia, DRM Ambala, said, “Due to the construction of a concourse between the new buildings and across the previously built platforms 1 and 2, passengers are experiencing inconvenience. As a result, platform 1 will be closed for 30 days following the completion of the concourse. We regret the inconvenience caused and assure passengers that efforts are being made to minimise disruptions during this phase.”

The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) confirmed that the redevelopment began in January 2023, with the contract awarded to Ahluwalia Contracts (India) Limited. The new station buildings, designed to serve both the Chandigarh and Panchkula sides, will feature a ground floor and three additional floors. Key highlights include an air-concourse, two foot overbridges, 11 escalators, 27 lifts, and a roof plaza spanning six platforms.

The project will expand the station’s total area from 13,720 sqm to 24,515 sqm. This expansion aims to optimise space and improve traffic flow with dedicated parking zones for various vehicles.