Upgradation of Dhandari Kalan railway station will be completed next month: MP Arora

Ludhiana, March 6, 2024: Dhandari Kalan railway station, near here, will get a new look soon as the ongoing work of its redevelopment and upgradation under the `Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ is being done very speedily to meet the deadline of its completion. The project is likely to be completed by next month. 

The Railways had included this project under the `Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’ on an initiative taken by MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora. In view of Dhandari Kalan railway station’s importance in Ludhiana, Arora had taken up this issue on priority basis. He had stated that Ludhiana is an industrial hub of the state. Thus, thousands of industrial workers travel on trains from other states to this railway station on daily basis.   Acceding to his demand, the Railways had started upgradation of this railway station. It may be mentioned here that Dhandari Kalan railway station is a railway station on Ambala-Ludhiana-Amritsar line under Firozpur Division of Northern Railway Zone. This is situated beside National Highway 44 at Dhandari Kalan, Ludhiana.

In a statement here today, Arora said senior authorities of the Railways have apprised him that the project will cost Rs.11.62 Crore. He added he has been further apprised 70 per cent of physical work has been completed. And, financial progress of work is 68 per cent. He added that targeted date of completion of project has been fixed for April 2024. 

Arora said the Amrit Bharat Station scheme has a long-term vision for the ongoing development of stations, including Dhandari Kalan railway station. It involves creating master plans and executing them in phases to enhance various station facilities. The scheme emphasizes upgrading station structures, integrating stations with the surrounding city areas on both sides, promoting multimodal connectivity, providing facilities for individuals with disabilities (Divyangjans), implementing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, when required, and considering the feasibility and phasing of improvements. The ultimate goal is to transform these stations into vibrant city centers over the long term.

Further, he said senior authorities of the Railways have apprised him about progress of the work and amenities to be provided to passengers at Dhandari Kalan railway station. These amenities include entrance porch 160 square meter and entrance lobby and ticketing 275 square meter. Five ticket counters are being set up. There will be three high level platforms. New platform No.3 has been constructed. The 150 meters length of platform No.1 has been extended. The railway station will have a total circulating area of 1838 square meters. Also, two meter wide 2 foot over bridges (FOBs) are being constructed. These FOBs will have the facility of ramps for Divyangs.

The facility of platform shelters is also being created. Besides, adequate number of toilet blocks are being set up for passengers. There will be provision of water taps at platforms. Proper seating arrangements (120 seats at Platform No.1 and 90 seats at Platforms No.2/3) are being created. Besides, there will be 110 square meters of air-conditioned waiting area for passengers.  First class waiting rooms for gents and ladies are also being constructed. Also, there will an executive lounge in 110 square meters area. The provision of 210 square meters green area has been ensured. VDC flooring with tactile and granite pattern at platforms (No.1,2 and three) is also being done.