Ludhiana: The ongoing redevelopment of Ludhiana railway station is causing significant distress beyond its platforms, as local dhabas and small eateries report a sharp decline in business. While the project aims to modernize the hub, the reality for nearby vendors has been a three-year downturn characterized by reduced footfall and restricted accessibility, leaving many to bear the brunt of development without relief.Owners attribute the slump to several structural changes, including the diversion of trains and complicated access points. Many dhaba operators noted that their livelihoods depend on long-distance passengers who typically exit the station for quick meals. However, with fewer trains halting and the station’s current layout proving cumbersome, that customer base has shrunk. The current construction phase has placed the connecting flyover far from entry points, while outside gate access remains limited. Consequently, passengers prefer to stay within the premises rather than navigate the long distances to reach external eateries.Accessibility and Operational HurdlesThe physical barriers have made it increasingly inconvenient for travelers to explore nearby food options. Tara Singh, a local dhaba owner, emphasized that sales have plummeted because passengers now avoid coming out due to the sheer inconvenience of walking around the construction zones. Manoj, another vendor, explained that while passengers could previously exit directly from any platform via a collective footover bridge, that path no longer exists. The only remaining bridge is situated far from the main entry and exit points, further isolating the businesses.The prolonged timeline of the project has also damaged morale. “We were hoping that the construction would be completed by 2025, but it looks like it will take much more time,” said Vinod Singh, adding that while redevelopment is necessary, the delays are inexcusable. Beyond the architecture, the operational shift has hit hard; many trains that once stopped at Ludhiana are now routed through Dhandari. With only three platforms currently operational, Ramesh Rana of a nearby eatery noted a noticeable drop in movement, leaving the area unusually quiet and the local business community in a state of deep uncertainty.
