Ahmedabad is poised to redefine urban rail infrastructure with the construction of India’s first 16-storey vertical railway station, a project aimed at consolidating multiple modes of transport into a single, compact structure. Set atop the existing Kalupur station platforms 10, 11, and 12, the development will integrate conventional rail services, the upcoming Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train, metro lines, and road-based public transport, marking a significant shift from conventional low-rise station layouts toward a more transit-oriented urban model.
The vertical design leverages height over horizontal sprawl, allowing the station to manage rising passenger footfall while preserving limited urban space. The structure will feature passenger concourses, waiting areas, retail zones, offices, and dedicated intermodal connections, providing a seamless travel experience. Urban transport planners note that vertical station architecture, widely employed in global metropolitan hubs, offers a strategic solution to congestion and last-mile connectivity challenges in rapidly growing cities.
Integration with the Kalupur Metro Station is central to the project’s design. Wider approach roads, improved bus access, and elevated passenger circulation areas aim to reduce friction for commuters transferring between rail, metro, and road networks. According to officials, the hub will enhance operational efficiency, cut waiting times, and facilitate easier navigation during peak hours.As a key node on India’s first bullet train corridor, the station is expected to transform travel between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. High-speed services will reduce journey times to approximately two hours, compared with seven to eight hours by conventional train or road transport. “The station will serve as a crucial multimodal interchange, linking high-speed rail, conventional services, and urban transit in a single vertical footprint,” said a senior rail infrastructure analyst.
Plans also include modern concourses, accessible entry and exit points, upgraded waiting lounges, and commercial space to support passenger needs. Integrated parking areas and dedicated movement pathways are designed to optimise crowd flow and reduce congestion, ensuring safety and efficiency for all users.Scheduled for completion by July 2027, the project is expected to significantly enhance Ahmedabad’s connectivity footprint while providing a scalable model for future multimodal hubs in India’s major cities. Analysts suggest that such compact, vertical stations could become central to sustainable urban mobility, helping cities achieve low-carbon, inclusive, and efficient transport solutions.
