Vadodara: Vadodara’s 145-year-old Pratapnagar Railway Station has undergone a major transformation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with redevelopment works worth Rs 71.58 crore turning it into a modern transit hub that blends enhanced passenger facilities with its historic railway legacy while helping decongest Vadodara Junction.A key hub of the narrow-gauge railway network since 1880 and home to a railway workshop established in 1922, Pratapnagar station is being developed as a strategic satellite station to reduce pressure on Vadodara Junction. The upgraded station is also expected to play an important role in handling long-distance train operations and serving passengers travelling to the Statue of Unity.“Pratapnagar Railway Station holds immense historical significance for Vadodara and Indian Railways. Through this redevelopment, modern passenger infrastructure has been created while preserving the station’s heritage value. The upgraded station will improve passenger convenience and strengthen the railway network’s capacity to meet future traffic growth,” said Vadodara Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Raju Bhadke.As part of the redevelopment, passenger amenities on platforms 1, 2 and 3 have been expanded, while a new Platform 4 has been constructed. High-level platforms have been extended and resurfaced, and the station has been equipped with modern shelters, improved seating arrangements, a new administrative building, additional toilets, upgraded signage systems, accessible booking counters for persons with disabilities and two new lifts.A new station building has also been developed at the second entrance along with a commercial area. Railway authorities said the second-entry zone now includes organised traffic circulation, parking facilities, clearly marked entry and exit routes, and other supporting infrastructure upgrades.The concourse area has been modernised with new flooring, wall cladding, enhanced lighting and murals reflecting the station’s railway heritage. Officials said the changes are aimed at improving the passenger experience while giving the station a refreshed identity.Accessibility has been a key focus of the project. Accessible booking counters, lifts connected to the foot overbridge (FOB) and other disability-friendly features have been incorporated to ensure seamless movement for passengers.“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,” said Vadodara division public relations officer Anubhav Saxena.“The redevelopment was designed to transform Pratapnagar into a modern, passenger-centric railway facility while strengthening its role in the region’s transport network,” he said.“As a satellite station for Vadodara, Pratapnagar will play an important role in decongesting the main station and enhancing travel facilities for passengers, including visitors to the Statue of Unity,” Saxena added.
