VINOD BHAT
NEW DELHI, Jan 18: New Jalpaiguri railway station, one of the most vital transport hubs in eastern India, is set to undergo a major transformation as part of the ambitious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with plans to convert it into a world-class, airport-style facility equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities.
Strategically located in Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri serves as the primary rail gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim, the entire Northeast region, and neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. Given its geographical and economic significance, the station has been selected as the first railway station in West Bengal to be redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The Ministry of Railways has approved a revised outlay of ₹500 crore for the comprehensive redevelopment project, which aims to drastically modernize the station’s infrastructure while enhancing passenger convenience and accessibility. One of the most notable features of the upgrade is the expansion of the main station building from the existing 4,800 square metres to a sprawling 19,800 square metres.
In a move inspired by modern airports, the redeveloped station will have separate buildings for arrivals and departures, a first-of-its-kind feature in the region. This segregation is expected to streamline passenger movement, reduce congestion, and improve overall travel experience for lakhs of commuters and tourists passing through the station every day.
Providing details of the project, Anoop Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM) of New Jalpaiguri, said the redevelopment covers an area of more than 1,00,000 square metres. The upgraded station will feature 11 platforms and five foot overbridges to ensure smooth inter-platform connectivity. To ease vertical movement, especially for elderly passengers and those with special needs, the station will be equipped with 24 lifts and 21 escalators.
Parking facilities are also being significantly enhanced, with a double-level parking area spanning 23,430 square metres, aimed at addressing the growing influx of private vehicles and taxis. Special emphasis has been laid on inclusivity, with improved facilities for persons with disabilities, including 13 dedicated toilets.
Sanitation infrastructure has been substantially upgraded as well. The total number of washroom facilities will rise to 66 urinals and 105 latrines, while modern water treatment and sewage treatment plants are being installed to ensure hygiene and environmental sustainability.
At present, New Jalpaiguri station handles nearly 60,000 passengers daily. Once the redevelopment is completed, the station’s capacity is expected to double, enabling it to comfortably cater to around 1.2 lakh passengers per day. Railway officials say this expansion is crucial to meet the rapidly increasing travel demand driven by tourism, trade, and economic activity in the region.
The Union Minister for Railways recently inspected the ongoing construction work and reviewed the progress of the project. According to railway authorities, the redevelopment is progressing steadily and is scheduled to be completed by February 2027, after which New Jalpaiguri is expected to emerge as a modern rail hub matching international standards.
