After years of delays and eager public waiting, the transformed Chandigarh Railway Station is finally starting to reveal its modern avatar. While passengers are getting a first taste of the upgraded facilities, the ambitious redevelopment project has once again missed its completion deadline. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), which is executing the project, now expects the station to be fully operational by April 2026.
Missed Deadlines and Phased Progress
The journey to revamp one of North India's key railway hubs has been marked by a series of postponed timelines. The project has overshot multiple deadlines, including several set just in the year 2025 for April, September, and December. Earlier projections had promised completion as far back as 2024. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has previously noted the difficulty in setting rigid deadlines for such a massive overhaul, emphasizing that work is progressing swiftly but in phases.
According to RLDA officials, approximately 85% of the overall construction work is complete, with finishing touches currently underway. A project director from RLDA Chandigarh stated that the station could be ready for inauguration in four to five months after the remaining work is done, but full-scale functionality is the target for April next year.
New Passenger Facilities Go Live
Despite the delay in the grand opening, commuters are already experiencing tangible benefits. The most significant addition—the expansive new concourse—is now functional for passenger movement. This space allows access to platforms 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, greatly improving circulation while construction continues elsewhere.
Both newly constructed station buildings on the Chandigarh and Panchkula sides are open for entry. On the Panchkula side, two main booking counters are operational, while one reservation counter has started functioning on the Chandigarh side, offering much-needed relief. These buildings now serve as spacious waiting areas, reducing congestion on the platforms.
Other operational upgrades include:
- CCTV surveillance activated on Platform 1, with other platforms to follow soon.
- Installation of solar panels on Platforms 1 and 6, marking a step towards sustainability.
- A new facility equipped with lifts and staircases to aid senior citizens, women with children, and differently-abled passengers.
Officials confirmed that restaurants, food outlets, and retail shops within the concourse will be opened gradually in the coming months. Meanwhile, the old foot overbridge is being dismantled to make way for a modern replacement from the UT side.
The Road Ahead to 2026
The visible progress offers a promising glimpse into the future of rail travel in the region. However, the repeated postponements highlight the complexities involved in upgrading critical public infrastructure while maintaining daily operations. For now, Chandigarh's commuters can enjoy the newly opened amenities as the city waits for the complete realization of its advanced, modern railway station by the new target of April 2026.
