Bilaspur Railway of South East Central Railway (SECR) will get a complete overhaul, with an estimated budget of Rs 435 crore.The plan has been made, considering the increase in passenger footfall likely over the next 40-50 years. The station will be transformed into a modern transportation hub capable of meeting future demands.Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2023 inaugurated the redevelopment work of Bilaspur station along with more than 500 railway stations across the country, under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station’ plan to provide world class facilities to passengers.Bilaspur station will get a new ambiance and will give a new and memorable perception of the city to domestic and international tourists.
The Amrit Bharat Station plan aims to upgrade existing facilities along with introducing new ones.
Currently, Bilaspur Station witnesses a daily footfall of around 65,800 passengers daily, which is likely to reach 1,80,000 passengers daily, in the next 40 to 50 years.
To avoid overcrowding separate entry and exit routes are being planned at the station.
There is provision for a waiting area of approximately 880 square meters to accommodate around 780 passengers simultaneously. A parking area of around 31,000 square meters has been provided for more than 1300 vehicles.
Three new foot overbridges will be constructed, the first for entry with a length of 95.4 meters and a width of 6 meters, the second for exit with a length of 81.9 meters and a width of 6 meters, and the third for entry with a length of 99.9 meters and a width of 6 meters.
A concourse of 6051 square meters is being developed, including a commercial area of 1700 square meters for business establishments and shops. 31 lifts and 21 escalators will be installed for senior citizens and differently abled passengers.
The parcel service movement will be shifted to a new building from the passenger arrival area, with the parcel warehouse being expanded from the current 300 square meters to approximately 1100 square meters.
To prioritize environmental conservation, a 1200-kilowatt capacity solar energy plant will be installed on the station’s roofs, covering an area of 20,500 square meters. Rainwater harvesting with a capacity of 97,000 litres will be set up in 16 pits of the station building.
Essential facilities provided to passengers will include food and beverage, drinking water, ATMs, internet, restrooms, cover sheds, standardized signage, and more.
Bilaspur Station is being given a green station look, with provisions for natural lighting and ventilation.
After redevelopment, the station will become a hub for technology, local culture, and rich heritage, enhancing the city’s beauty and will also provide employment opportunities, ultimately benefiting the local population and economy.
Railway station will be developed as a city center, connecting both sides of the city.