Vijayawada railway station is set for a comprehensive infrastructural overhaul with an investment of Rs 946.60 crore, aimed at transforming it into a modern, sustainable transport hub capable of handling double its current passenger load over the next four decades. The ambitious redevelopment, backed by both government and private sector partnership under a Design Build Finance Operate Transfer (DBFOT) model, seeks to position the station as a pioneering example of eco-friendly urban transport infrastructure in India.
The redevelopment plan focuses on a sprawling 50.14-acre site with a built-up area of approximately 1.54 lakh square metres, designed to efficiently manage peak hour traffic of 20,000 passengers. This will involve the construction of a new station building alongside the revamping of existing infrastructure including east and west station buildings, foot over bridges, skywalks, and multi-level car parking facilities spanning over 72,000 square metres. These efforts are expected to significantly ease congestion and improve commuter experience at one of India’s busiest railway junctions. Currently, Vijayawada station handles over 370 passenger trains daily, catering to roughly 57,000 daily boardings and an overall footfall of approximately 1.14 lakh passengers.
The station also operates with 10 platforms, 24 tracks, and 4-foot overbridges while coordinating with nearby satellite stations. With projections indicating the passenger volume will nearly double by 2065, this redevelopment is critical to ensuring the station’s infrastructure aligns with future demands. In addition to enhancing passenger amenities and transport connectivity, the redevelopment is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity, aligning with national goals of zero net carbon and equitable urban growth. The project plans to dismantle three existing foot over bridges, replacing them with a central 12-metre-wide foot over bridge and two side foot over bridges to improve pedestrian flow and accessibility. Furthermore, the demolition and relocation of 106 residential quarters within the railway premises are planned to facilitate construction while minimising disruption.
The Rs 946.60 crore project is divided between a mandatory component worth Rs 661.11 crore and a non-mandatory component valued at Rs 285.49 crore. The government is contributing through the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, with Rs 264 crore allocated by a central committee and Rs 132 crore from the Ministry of Railways, covering 60% of the mandatory project costs. The remaining capital expenditure will be financed via the private sector partner under the PPP framework, ensuring efficient project delivery within a 36-month deadline. This redevelopment is expected to act as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism in the region, providing modern, safe, and gender-neutral facilities that reflect the principles of sustainable urban development. As Vijayawada emerges as a model railway station of the future, it also underscores the broader commitment to creating green, accessible, and passenger-centric transport infrastructure across Indian cities.
By carefully balancing capacity expansion with eco-conscious design and inclusivity, Vijayawada’s railway station redevelopment presents a significant leap forward in sustainable urban infrastructure development — a blueprint that other cities could emulate to meet the twin challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change.
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