Revamping Chandigarh Railway Station: A Sustainable Gateway
The Chandigarh Railway Station is undergoing a major redevelopment led by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). This ambitious project, designed by ANA Design Studio Pvt. Ltd. , aims to modernise the station while enhancing its role as a vibrant, universally accessible public space. With a focus on sustainability, modular design, and advanced construction technologies, the redevelopment is set to improve passenger experience and boost the region's infrastructure by 2024.
As the gateway connecting northern India to the rest of the country, Chandigarh Railway Station plays a pivotal role in the region’s transportation network. Now, with the growing demand for both passenger traffic and upgraded facilities, a transformative redevelopment project by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) is set to revitalise the station and its surroundings. This ambitious initiative aims not only to modernise the station but also to reimagine it as a vibrant, universally accessible public space, serving as a key hub for both Chandigarh and Panchkula.
Strategically located, the Chandigarh Railway Station provides access to passengers from both cities, with connections extending to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana. This vital transport hub facilitates long-distance national and international travel, supporting the socio-economic activities of the region’s population.
The redevelopment project focuses on rebuilding the railway station, enhancing its facilities, and revitalising the surrounding areas, while exploring the commercial potential of the adjacent land. The goal is to transform the existing transit space into an inclusive public environment equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring a safe and dynamic space for residents. A standout feature of the redesign is the elimination of right-angled turns for vehicles. Instead, curved roads have been incorporated to optimise vehicle speed and reduce reckless driving, enhancing pedestrian safety by design.
Modular makeover
The design of the Chandigarh Railway Station is based on the concept of modularity, which minimises material wastage, reduces costs, and speeds up installation. The reduced need for personalisation results in design elements with minimal architectural details, enabling quicker construction and easier maintenance.
The project follows the guidelines set by the ‘Manual for Standards and Specifications for Railway Stations' (MSSR) 2009, as recommended by the RLDA. Additionally, it was important to consider that CRS is a fully operational station with continuous foot traffic from passengers and staff. As a result, construction was planned in phases to ensure the station remained functional throughout the project. The modular design approach allows for faster installation and lowers the risk of errors.
Major expansion has taken place on the Panchkula side of the station. Now, the cities of Chandigarh and Panchkula are connected through this station by unpaid foot overbridge (FOB) corridors designed for pedestrian movement. The site development strategy includes parabolic road layouts, eliminating right-angled turns to facilitate smooth vehicular movement.
Universally accessible pathways extend from the bus stop to the station entrance, ensuring a clear line of sight for passengers exiting the platforms and for those arriving via different modes of transport. The movement of arriving and departing passengers is segregated, and separate lanes for entry and exit prevent any clashes between pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Steel plays a crucial role in this project, with the structural members appropriately sized and optimised using composite structures. This modular approach allows for construction to proceed block by block as areas become available.
As part of the process, the initial design scheme received through the EPC contract was thoroughly reviewed, and several comparative design reports were prepared and submitted. A conceptual drawing set, complete with 3D views, was shared with both the client and the structural consultant. A detailed Revit model was also prepared, submitted, and periodically updated throughout the project.
To delve into the full story behind the Chandigarh Railway Station, refer to https://ssmb.in/2024/11/07/revamping-chandigarh-railway-station-a-sustainable-gateway/
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