VADODARA (Metro Rail News): Pratapnagar Railway Station is Vadodara’s one of the oldest railway stations. It has received a major upgrade under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. Indian Railways spent Rs 71.58 crore on the project to improve passenger facilities while retaining the station’s historic image.
The redevelopment aims to make Pratapnagar a key satellite station for Vadodara Junction. The upgraded station will also help in reducing congestion at Vadodara Junction and support train operations in the years ahead.
Pratapnagar Railway Station enters a new Phase
Pratapnagar station handled passengers from 1880 and played an important role in the region’s narrow-gauge railway network. It is also home to a railway workshop that started operations in 1922. Railway officials now want the station to handle a bigger share of passenger and train operations. The station is also expected to support passengers travelling to the Statue of Unity. Vadodara Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Raju Bhadke said, “Pratapnagar Railway Station holds immense historical significance for Vadodara and Indian Railways. Through this redevelopment, we have created modern passenger facilities while preserving its heritage value.”
New facilities added across the station
Indian Railways upgraded passenger facilities on Platforms 1, 2 and 3. It has built a new Platform 4 as part of the project. Some of the major improvements include,
- Extended and resurfaced high-level platforms
- New platform shelters
- Better seating arrangements
- Additional toilets
- Improved signage
- New administrative building
- Accessible ticket counters for persons with disabilities
- Two new lifts
Indian Railways also developed a new station building at the second entrance and created a commercial area around it.
Better access and passenger moment
Officials redesigned the second-entry side of the station to make movement easier for passengers and vehicles. The upgraded area now includes:
- Organised traffic circulation
- Dedicated parking facilities
- Clearly marked entry and exit routes
- Other supporting infrastructure
The station concourse has also received new flooring, wall cladding, improved lighting and murals that showcase the station’s railway history.
Focus on accessibility
Accessibility remained a key part of the redevelopment. Indian Railways installed accessible booking counters and connected lifts to the foot overbridge to make travel easier for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and passengers carrying luggage. One of the biggest additions is a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge, which connects all station platforms and links both sides of the city. The bridge includes ramps and lift access to ensure smooth movement across the station.
Vadodara Division Public Relations Officer Anubhav Saxena said, “A major highlight of the redevelopment is the construction of a 12-metre-wide foot overbridge connecting both sides of the city and all station platforms. Ramps and lift connectivity have been provided to ensure smooth barrier-free access for passengers.” He also mentioned that, “The redevelopment was designed to transform Pratapnagar into a modern, passenger-centric railway facility while strengthening its role in the region’s transport network.”
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