Major revamp to make Vadodara station future-ready

Vadodara: One of the busiest railway stations on the Delhi-Mumbai trunk route, Vadodara Junction is set to undergo a major transformation with Western Railway launching an ambitious yard remodelling and infrastructure modernisation project aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, passenger convenience and safety.The comprehensive project will introduce modern signalling systems, longer platforms, faster train movement within the station yard and seamless connectivity with the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail station, positioning Vadodara as a future-ready transportation hub.Railway officials said the modernisation initiative has been planned keeping in mind the growing volume of train operations and passenger traffic at the station.“Our focus is on leveraging technology, improving operational efficiency, enhancing safety standards and delivering greater comfort to passengers. This infrastructure development initiative will significantly strengthen the station’s ability to cater to future traffic growth while ensuring a seamless, safe and efficient travel experience for millions of rail users,” said Vadodara divisional railway manager Raju Bhadke.One of the most key components of the project is the replacement of the conventional panel-based signalling system with a modern Visual Display Unit (VDU)-based system. The computerised setup will allow train routes and signalling information to be displayed on digital screens, enabling station staff to monitor and control train movements more efficiently.Railway officials said the new system will facilitate quicker route setting, faster decision-making and easier fault detection while reducing the possibility of human error. The upgrade is expected to improve overall safety and reliability of train operations through the busy station yard.Another major change involves the removal of the existing Double Slip Diamond Crossing at the Surat end of the station yard. The complex track arrangement currently requires trains arriving from the Surat-Mumbai direction and heading towards Platform No. 6 to negotiate multiple crossovers before entering the platform. The revised track layout will simplify the movements and reduce operational conflicts within the yard. As a result, trains heading towards Platform No. 6 are expected to save nearly two minutes in detention time. The change will also provide simultaneous train movements and reduce maintenance requirements.“To further strengthen operational infrastructure, a new 350-metre-long stabling line will be constructed on the Surat-Mumbai side of the station. The facility will be used for train parking, cleaning and maintenance activities,” said Vadodara divisional public relations officer Anubhav Saxena.“The project includes the construction of a modern station master’s office equipped with upgraded operational facilities and improved workspaces. And in a major boost to multimodal transportation, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is simultaneously developing a new Platform No. 7 for Indian Railways adjacent to the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail station,” he said.The platform will serve as a crucial interface between conventional rail services and the country’s first bullet train corridor.A travellator will directly connect the new platform with both the existing railway station and the high-speed rail station, enabling seamless passenger transfers. The platform will be equipped with passenger amenities including waiting halls, shelters, drinking water facilities, toilets and ticket booking counters. Railway officials said the tender for the project has already been floated and is scheduled to be opened on July 23.