Ambala Cantonment’s railway station makeover stuck in planning stage

The long-awaited redevelopment of the Ambala Cantonment railway station as a modern and world-class facility continues to be delayed, with the project still stuck at the planning stage. An estimated budget of Rs 100 crore has been proposed for the redevelopment, though it remains tentative at this stage.

What’s in the offing…

– More lifts and escalators for easier access

– Upgraded facilities for divyang (specially abled) passengers

– Better parking and circulation areas

– Repaired sheds before the monsoon

– Improved passenger amenities at platforms and entry/exit points

Ambala Cantonment is one of the busiest and most significant stations under the Ambala Railway Division, catering to thousands of passengers every day. Despite its importance, passengers have long been inconvenienced by leaking platform sheds, bird droppings, and unregulated vehicular movement near the main entrance. The station’s upgrade has been a persistent demand for years.

According to railway officials, the redevelopment project is being managed by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), which recently made a presentation to the Ambala Division. The proposal has since been forwarded to the Railway Board for final approval.

In a recent meeting with Haryana Cabinet Minister and Ambala Cantonment MLA Anil Vij, railway officials informed him that the station will be upgraded in phases to meet modern standards. This includes the installation of more lifts and escalators, enhancements to parking and circulation areas, revamped entry and exit points, and improved passenger amenities.

Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr DCM) Naveen Kumar said, “The railway station of Ambala Cantonment is to be redeveloped for which the RLDA, after incorporating the suggestions given by the division, has sent the project report to the Railway Board. After getting the final approval from the Railway Board, the work will start. The budget of the project may fluctuate as the Board may add or remove some components from the project.”

He said, “Nothing can be said at this stage as the project is being handled by the RLDA, and the Railway Board can also make changes after taking suggestions. We have to wait to see the final design and plans.”

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ambala Division, Vinod Bhatia, said, “The redevelopment work of the Ambala Cantonment railway station is to be carried out and the project is at the planning stage. A tentative budget of Rs 100 crore is expected to be spent on the project. Our focus is on improving the passenger facilities. The number of lifts and escalators will increase. Facilities for divyang passengers will also be increased and even in the circulating and parking area better facilities will be given to the railway passengers.”

He also mentioned that short-term repair work is being prioritised, especially with the rainy season approaching. “The existing sheds required some repairing and efforts are being made to get the sheds repaired before the rainy season so that there is no leakage on the platforms. All efforts are being made to provide good facilities to the passengers,” he added.

Haryana Tribune