Sabarmati Station redevelopment 85% done: ₹335 crore multimodal hub takes shape
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is on the verge of a complete transformation, with approximately 85% of the ₹335 crore redevelopment project now finished. The station is being repositioned as a multimodal transport hub with planned connectivity to the Sabarmati Metro, AEC Metro, and the upcoming high-speed rail station, making it one of the most ambitiously upgraded stations in western India.
Scale and Infrastructure
The redevelopment, being executed by Western Railway, covers an expansive footprint — stretching from the Ahmedabad-side foot-over-bridge (FOB) to the Delhi-side FOB across more than 3.2 million square feet. The station roof at Sabarmati (SBI) rises to approximately 20 metres. The upgraded facility will include seven platforms at Sabarmati BG and three platforms at Sabarmati (SBT), with through-roof coverings and skylights designed to maximise natural light. Three foot-over-bridges are being provided at each sub-station.
A two-storey holding area spanning approximately 86,000 square feet — around 43,000 square feet per floor — is under development, designed to accommodate up to 10,000 passengers simultaneously during peak travel periods such as Holi, Diwali, and Chhath Puja.
Smart Systems and Passenger Amenities
A key feature of the upgraded station will be an integrated smart-building ecosystem, combining Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology and a Building Management System (BMS). This will be supplemented by integrated CCTV surveillance, a public address system, access control, IT networking, and a Passenger Information System delivering real-time data on train arrivals, departures, and timings.
The station will also install 28 lifts and 28 escalators. Accessibility has been a priority: lifts will carry Braille markings, guide and warning tiles, and directional signage. Disability-friendly ticket counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), and drinking water facilities are also included. Separate arrival and departure zones, dedicated parking for two-wheelers, cars, autos and buses, and EV charging points round out the passenger-facing upgrades.
A 'Rapido Traveller's Lounge' has already been established at the station, offering a dedicated rest zone, near-zero-wait connectivity, and on-ground passenger assistance.
Green Building Goals
The project carries environmental ambitions: the redeveloped station is planned to achieve an IGBC Gold green-building rating. A 1,300-kilowatt solar power plant has been proposed on the premises, which would offset a significant portion of the station's energy needs. The integration of solar infrastructure aligns with broader Railway Ministry goals for net-zero energy consumption across major stations.
Current Operations and Progress
Even as construction continues, the station remains operationally active. Currently, 19 trains originate from Sabarmati Railway Station and 22 trains pass through it daily, serving more than 35,000 passengers every day. The east wing of the main station building is largely complete, with Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS), Passenger Reservation System (PRS), and ticket counters already functional. The waiting area has also been relocated to the east wing, and its lifts and escalators are operational. This is consistent with a broader national push to upgrade 50 major railway stations under the Indian Railways' station redevelopment programme.
With multimodal connectivity, smart infrastructure, and green-building certification all in the pipeline, Sabarmati is poised to set a new benchmark for urban railway hubs in Gujarat once work is fully completed.