Work on station redevelopment at Ajni in Nagpur is moving ahead rapidly, according to Central Railway.
Soil exploration and geotechnical investigation are complete, and site clearance work is currently underway on the eastern side of Ajni yard, the zone has claimed. When the project is complete, Ajni will be one of three terminals in Nagpur city. Redevelopment work for the main Nagpur station is also underway.
The third, Itwari station, is being modernized as part of the Itwari-Nagbhid gauge conversion project.
Ajni will have state-of-the-art passenger facilities
Ajni Railway Station is being redeveloped for Rs 359.82 crore, as per the redevelopment plan Iconic buildings will be on both sides of the station. A 4,320 square meter roof plaza will be developed at the station, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like a waiting lounge, cafeteria, and retail. Along with this, there will be separate arrangements for arrival and departure.
Ajni Railway Station is being redeveloped for Rs 359.82 crore. Both sides of the station will feature distinctive buildings. To make the most of limited space, an upper deck is being constructed above the platforms and the tracks.
Big Improvements at Ajni Railway Station with Redevelopment
As of today, Ajni has only 3 platforms with limited scope for originating or terminating trains. Four additional platforms are to be built at Ajni. New platforms will enable Central Railway to start more trains from Ajni station instead of fighting for space at the congested main Nagpur station.
This 4,320 square meter roof plaza will feature a waiting lounge, cafeteria, and retail outlets for the convenience of passengers. Ajni will also have separate arrangements for arrival and departure. 21 lifts, 17 escalators and six travelators and a multi-level parking facility will make accessibility more convenient.
As with all new redevelopment work, the station will also be designed to be accessible for the differently abled, says Central Railway. Ajni’s new station complex will be redeveloped as a green building. Solar power, water conservation and rainwater harvesting are also part of the project.
With Nagpur Metro’s Congress Nagar station right alongside, Ajni station will also enable multimodal connectivity for passengers. The eastern side is expected to have easily approachable bus stops for quick transfers.
Controversy and Litigation
The project has been embroiled in controversy, with activists opposing the project citing the loss of trees in the area. The original plan of an Intermodal Station, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, was abandoned as a result.
Railway Land Development Authority subsequently took over parts of the plan and decided to move forward. The EPC contract for Ajni station redevelopment was awarded in 2022.
Central Railway says that about 120 trees of different varieties have been planted in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ajni as part of the compensatory plantation plan.