Bhaktinagar railway station in Rajkot is close to finishing a significant redevelopment project as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The Western Railway officials mentioned that the upgraded station is tailored to meet passenger needs and operational demands for the next four to five decades. Costing over Rs 26.80 crore, the redevelopment is part of a broader initiative that includes the modernization of 17 stations in the Rajkot Division.
According to Vineet Abhishek, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, work at 15 out of the 17 stations has almost concluded. During a visit to Bhaktinagar station, Abhishek highlighted the station’s transformation to offer top-notch facilities, enhancing accessibility, safety, and convenience for passengers. The redevelopment project at Bhaktinagar station, amounting to over Rs 26 crore, aims to provide passengers with superior amenities and world-class services.
The station now features separate entry and exit points, designated lanes for taxis and auto-rickshaws, expanded parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, and reserved parking for passengers with disabilities. Additionally, a 25,000 square feet garden is being developed outside the station to enhance the overall travel ambiance. Inside, the booking counters have been revamped, a special ticket window for passengers with disabilities has been set up, and tactile pathways have been installed to aid visually impaired travelers.
Modern upgrades at the station include improved signage, enhanced public announcement systems, segregated air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned waiting areas, modernized toilets, and a VIP room. As part of the project, two new foot overbridges have been constructed, including a 12-meter-wide bridge connecting platforms. Abhishek noted that most civil works have been completed, with only the lift installation pending, emphasizing that the redevelopment aligns with the long-term growth plans and future expansion of train services.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways in 2022, aims to revamp over 1,300 railway stations across India. Abhishek highlighted that the redevelopment at Bhaktinagar station is strategically planned to accommodate future growth and support increased train services. With ongoing railway infrastructure enhancements in the region, including the doubling of railway lines towards Veraval, the station is poised to become a vital secondary rail hub for Rajkot, catering to higher passenger volumes as railway capacity expands.
Western Railway officials anticipate that the upgraded Bhaktinagar station will offer a safer and more comfortable travel experience, effectively distributing passenger traffic across the Rajkot rail network.
