Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow to get 2 new platforms

Under the national railway development scheme, Mission Raftaar, the construction of 2 new platforms at Charbagh Railway Station has been given a green signal. As per reports, the entire station will go under a major facelift and will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to increase convenience for travellers.

The renovation plan includes the construction of 2 new platforms, elevators, escalators at platforms number 2 to 7, 2 new cabways and train washing lines.

A slew of upgrades are in the pipeline for the Charbagh Railway Station, under this new development scheme. For instance, the track speed of all trains, running between Lucknow and Kanpur will be boosted up to 160 kmph, offering a better and more rapid commute between the two districts.

As per the order, Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has been tasked to take up the construction of 2 new platforms and the redevelopment of the Charbagh railway station. Apart from ensuring easy passenger movement and efficient load sharing, the plan also includes measures to ensure the safety of passengers. So far, the authorities have already demolished sidings at platform number 6 which were in a dilapidated stage.

Once the development work commences, the Charbagh Railway Station will have a total of 11 platforms. Besides, 2 new cabways will also be constructed in order to ensure better logistics. The move is aimed at increasing the overall number of trains running from and via Charbagh Railway Station, create more space for increased footfalls and enhancing passenger convenience altogether.

As per the reports, elevators and escalators will also be constructed at several platforms connecting with new FOBs. Reportedly, the Northern Railway has approved the design of lifts and escalators. The entire development work is expected to take place in multiple phases. In phase 1, facilities including elevators, escalators and Foot Over Bridges (FOB) will be constructed.

Additionally, 2 new washing lines will also be constructed that will ensure high-maintenance infrastructure at Charbagh Railway Station, resulting in regular checks and maintenance. Trains at Kanpur can also be shifted to these washing lines, distributing the load evenly. As per the reports, this facet is directly being reviewed by Additional Divisional Railway Manager Ashwini Srivastava.

DRM Suresh Sapra of Northern Railway Lucknow Division said, "these new facilities will effectively result in limiting the number of accidents."

As of now, 60% of civil construction work is completed. However, works pertaining modern signalling and overhead electric lines and amping the speed limit of the tracks is yet to be done. This is expected to be completed by the March 2024, the DRM added.