The Indian Railways is typically associated with crowded platforms, loud announcements, and limited facilities. However, in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, there's a station that completely transforms this traditional image. This station is named Rani Kamlapati Railway Station, considered the country's first privately managed railway station.
Station Built on a Private Model
This station has been developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It was built through a joint collaboration between the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) and a private company. Rani Kamlapati Station was formerly known as 'Habibganj Station,' which was re-developed and given a new name and modern look. Its operation and maintenance are now being carried out by the private sector.
Inspiration Taken from German Railway Station
The design of this station is inspired by the famous Heidelberg Railway Station in Germany. It is fully equipped with world-class facilities and has been presented as India's first international-level station. Here, efforts have been made to provide passengers not only with train boarding facilities but also with a premium travel experience.
Airport-like Facilities for Passengers
At Rani Kamlapati Railway Station, passengers get all the facilities that were previously only seen at airports. Inside the station, there is a fully air-conditioned waiting hall with comfortable seating. High-speed Wi-Fi, charging points, and digital displays for information further enhance the convenience of passengers.
Spacious Parking and Easy Entry-Exit System
The planning of the station, both inside and outside, has been done in such a way that people do not have to face any kind of crowding or disarray. A large covered parking area is available here, which provides ample space for two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles. High-speed escalators and lifts are arranged to reach from the ticket counter to the platform.
Market, Hotel, and Hospital also in the Station Premises
Rani Kamlapati Station has been developed not only as a transport hub but also as a mini-township. Several large anchor stores, automobile showrooms, modern offices, hotels, and super-specialty hospitals are also present in the station premises. A large convention center has also been prepared here, where corporate events and other gatherings can be organized.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Design
Special efforts have also been made to make the station green and sustainable. Rani Kamlapati Station has been awarded a 5-star rating in GEM Sustainability Certification by ASSOCHAM. This station is an excellent example of eco-friendly green building design. Zero discharge technology has been used here for water management, through which used water can be purified again and reused.
Electricity Supply from Solar Energy
Solar panels have been installed in the station premises, which help in meeting the energy needs of the station. Apart from this, a b system of rainwater harvesting has also been arranged, which helps in saving water as well as maintaining the ground water level.
Example of Changing Railway Picture
Rani Kamlapati Railway Station has become special not only in terms of facilities but also because of its private management model. Everything from employees to the cleaning system is managed by a private company here. This has greatly improved the quality of service and maintenance, which is usually not seen at traditional railway stations.
Indication of the Future of Railways
Rani Kamlapati Station shows a glimpse of the future of railways in the country. In the coming times, many more railway stations can be developed in the same way under private partnership, so that passengers can get a better and more convenient experience. This model not only improves the passenger experience but also makes the railways self-reliant and smart.
A Reliable Destination for Passengers
This station in Bhopal has not only won the hearts of the local people but passengers coming from all over the country are also seen praising it. A clean campus, timely services, and a calm, safe environment make it special. Now the station is no longer just a place to catch a train, but it has become a modern passenger center.
