Over 15 months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav inaugurated the ambitious World Class City Railway Station project online on February 26, 2024, work on the ground is yet to commence. Despite initial claims by the Railways to complete the Rs 219 crore project within 30 months, the start has been repeatedly delayed, leaving the city waiting for its promised transformation.
The major cause of the delay: shifting goods trains
According to official sources, the primary reason for the delay has been the decision to shift goods train operations out of the city station. A new plan was introduced to develop the nearby Suchi Pind Railway Station as a dedicated hub for goods trains. The process of acquiring land for a new yard at Suchi Pind is expected to begin soon. This move aims to free up the city station for passenger services and facilitate modern development.
Other factors behind the delay
Several other factors have contributed to the slow progress:
- Delay in Decision-Making: The decision to develop Suchi Pind as the goods train hub took time.
- Land Acquisition Issues: Acquiring land for the second entry gate and yard took longer than anticipated.
- Design Changes: Modifications in the station’s design further pushed back the timeline.
- Possession and Clearance: Delays in taking possession and clearing the land after acquisition.
Project details: a high-tech makeover
The redevelopment plan aims to transform the historic city railway station into a state-of-the-art facility.
- Project Cost: Rs 219 crore
- Area Project Cost: 37 acres
- Platforms: Increase from 3 to 6
- Infrastructure: Five-storey building, straightened railway lines, 22 lifts, 17 escalators
- Accessibility: Entry gates, ticket counters, and parking on both sides
- Passenger Amenities: Battery car facility, food court, free Wi-Fi, modern toilets, high-quality stalls, inquiry centre, and VIP lounge
Current status: awaiting final approval
The Gati Shakti Unit has been tasked with the station’s new construction. A consultant has finalized the design and drawings, which have been sent to the Delhi Headquarters for approval. Once the green signal is received, work is expected to accelerate, with a likely start date in October.
Looking ahead
The project, which promises to bring world-class amenities and a modern look to the British-era station, is eagerly awaited by the people of Jalandhar. However, the delays have dampened the initial excitement generated by the online inauguration last year. With key hurdles now being addressed, residents hope to see visible progress on the ground soon.