Ajni Railway Station – Transformation on Track, Project to be Commissioned Before Schedule
Ajni Railway Station Transformation: Ajni Railway Station, serving as a satellite station for Nagpur, is undergoing a major transformation under the auspices of the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). This redevelopment project is set to revolutionize passenger experience by providing top-notch facilities, incorporating green building concepts, and ensuring Divyangjan-friendly amenities. Despite the challenges posed by the brownfield nature of the project, all preparatory work and utility shifting have been completed, paving the way for rapid construction progress on both the eastern and western sides of the station. Remarkably, this project is slated to be completed four months ahead of its original schedule.
Key Features of the Redeveloped Station
Enhanced Passenger Capacity
The redeveloped Ajni Station is designed to accommodate a whopping 45,000 passengers daily, significantly boosting its capacity and efficiency.
Arrival and Departure Plazas
The station will boast two dedicated FOBs (10 meters wide each) for arriving passengers, connected with arrival lobbies on either side of the station. These FOBs, along with a 72-meter-wide concourse with a roof plaza, will connect each platform via escalators, lifts, and staircases.
West Side Amenities
On the west side, a G+2 departure and arrival plaza featuring 3,679 square meters of surface parking and a circulating area will be established. This area will include drop-off and pick-up zones to facilitate the smooth movement of taxis, cars, and autos.
East Side Amenities
The east side will feature a G+3 station building with 19,162 square meters of surface parking and a circulating area. Drop-off and pick-up zones will ensure smooth traffic flow on both sides of the station.
Construction Progress
East Side Building (G+3)
The existing utilities, including D-type quarters, have been dismantled to make way for new construction. The construction work on the G+3 station building has reached the third-floor level, with block work and finishing work in progress. Two towers of Type IV quarters (Stilt+7) have been completed, with finishing work ongoing to accommodate the occupants of the demolished quarters.
West Side Building (G+2)
To avoid disrupting passenger movement, a temporary station building has been constructed, and the parking area has been extended towards the Road Over Bridge (ROB) side. With manpower and machinery deployed day and night, 85% of the piling work is completed, and pile cap work is in progress.
Platform Work
Existing cover over platforms (COP) and escalators near the north FOB at the Nagpur end of Platform 1 have been dismantled to facilitate piling work and the movement of construction equipment. Hard barricading work has been done, and safety marshals have been deputed to ensure the safe movement of passengers.
Execution Strategy
The redevelopment project follows a phased approach to minimize disruption to train operations and passenger movement. The initial phase involves relocating the existing west side building offices and starting foundational work after dismantling the existing station building. The construction sequence includes the east side station building, air concourse with the roof plaza and FOBs, followed by the west side building due to space constraints. The foundational work for the North FOB, South FOB, air concourse, and Central FOB is progressing steadily, with 58% progress achieved. Additional work on Platform 2/3 will commence shortly, coordinated to avoid passenger inconvenience. The project, with a cost of Rs. 297 crore, is currently at 30% physical progress and is set to be completed in January 2026, four months ahead of schedule.
Green Building Concepts
The new Ajni Station will incorporate green building concepts, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. This approach aligns with the broader goals of reducing the carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly infrastructure.
Divyangjan-Friendly Amenities
Ensuring inclusivity, the station will feature Divyangjan-friendly amenities. This includes ramps, designated waiting areas, and special assistance to ensure a comfortable travel experience for passengers with disabilities.
Enhanced Safety Measures
Safety is a paramount concern in the redevelopment plan. Hard barricading and the deployment of safety marshals are measures taken to ensure the security of passengers during the construction phase. The new station design will also include advanced safety features to protect passengers once the station is operational.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The modern Ajni Station will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, modern waiting lounges, food courts, and retail spaces. These additions aim to enhance the overall passenger experience, making their time at the station more comfortable and enjoyable.
Smooth Traffic Flow
To avoid congestion, the station’s design includes well-planned drop-off and pick-up zones. This will facilitate smooth traffic flow on both the eastern and western sides of the station, reducing delays and ensuring a seamless travel experience.
High-Quality Construction
The construction quality is given utmost importance, with the use of high-grade materials and advanced construction techniques. This ensures that the new station will not only be aesthetically pleasing but also durable and resilient.
Timely Completion
Despite the complexity of the project, it is set to be completed four months ahead of its original schedule. This impressive feat is achieved through meticulous planning, efficient execution, and the relentless efforts of the workforce.
Economic Boost
The redevelopment of Ajni Station is expected to provide an economic boost to the region. Improved infrastructure will attract more passengers, increasing footfall and potentially leading to the development of surrounding areas.
Future-Proofing Infrastructure
The new station is designed with future needs in mind, ensuring that it can accommodate increased passenger traffic and evolving technological advancements. This forward-thinking approach ensures the station’s long-term relevance and functionality.
RLDA’s Role
The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) is the driving force behind this transformation. As a statutory authority under the Ministry of Railways, RLDA is responsible for the development of railway land across India, including major station redevelopments like Ajni.
The transformation of Ajni Railway Station is a landmark project that promises to elevate passenger experience to new heights. With modern amenities, green building concepts, and Divyangjan-friendly features, the redeveloped station will set a new standard in railway infrastructure. The project’s ahead-of-schedule completion is a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by the RLDA. As Ajni Station nears its new dawn, it stands as a beacon of progress and innovation, heralding a brighter future for railway travel in India.
- When is the Ajni Railway Station redevelopment project expected to be completed? The project is set to be completed in January 2026, four months ahead of schedule.
- What are the key features of the redeveloped Ajni Railway Station? The redeveloped station will include modern amenities, green building concepts, Divyangjan-friendly features, and a capacity to handle 45,000 passengers daily.
- How will the redevelopment project impact passenger movement during construction? The project follows a phased approach to minimize disruption, with safety measures in place to ensure smooth passenger movement.
- What role does the RLDA play in the redevelopment of Ajni Station? The RLDA, a statutory authority under the Ministry of Railways, is responsible for the planning and execution of the redevelopment project.
- How will the new Ajni Station contribute to the local economy? The improved infrastructure is expected to attract more passengers, increase footfall, and potentially spur the development of surrounding areas, providing an economic boost to the region.
