In a bold move aimed at enhancing passenger experiences and tapping into its strategic location, Pakistan Railways is set to revamp and commercialize the Victoria-era Rawalpindi Railway Station. This ambitious project will transform the station into a bustling business hub while preserving its historic architectural charm.
Rawalpindi Railway Station Upgradation
The Rawalpindi Railway Station, constructed over a century ago in the British style, is poised for a significant transformation. The project’s primary goal is to create a commercially viable space that will generate substantial revenues for all stakeholders involved, as confirmed by an official from the Ministry of Railways.
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This endeavor was initiated following a comprehensive meeting that reviewed the upgradation and commercialization plan for Rawalpindi Railway Station. The officials highlighted that railway stations will remain crucial commercial hubs in the future, contributing to substantial revenue generation and economic opportunities at a large scale.
A Vision for Rawalpindi Railway Station
The revitalization of Rawalpindi Railway Station is set to usher in a new era of development and growth. The plan includes various key components:
Expanding Platforms and Cargo Facilities
One of the primary objectives of the project is to expand the station’s platforms, enabling it to handle increased passenger traffic. Additionally, dedicated cargo platforms will be introduced to facilitate the movement of goods and enhance the efficiency of freight services.
Creating a Business Hub
The station’s surroundings will undergo extensive commercialization, utilizing the approximately 100-kanal space available adjacent to Jinnah Road (City Saddar Road). This strategic move will transform the station into a bustling business hub, offering a range of services and opportunities to the public.
Retaining Historic Charm
Despite the modernization efforts, the iconic Victorian-era building, characterized by its ‘Indo-Saracenic’ architecture, will remain intact. This commitment to preserving the station’s historic charm is a testament to Pakistan’s rich architectural heritage.
Enhancing Passenger Facilities
Improving passenger facilitation is a key focus of the project. This includes the development of retail spaces, service apartments, motels, and improved connectivity to all modes of transportation. Energy and water efficiency will also be integrated into the station’s infrastructure.
Multi-Modal Network
The project aims to create a multi-modal network that seamlessly connects the Rawalpindi Railway Station to various transport services, further enhancing its utility and accessibility.
Nationwide Rawalpindi Railway Station Upgradation Efforts
The Rawalpindi Railway Station project is part of Pakistan Railways‘ broader initiative to upgrade major railway stations across the country. Stations in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Quetta are undergoing similar modernization efforts, with the goal of transforming them into commercial hubs for various business activities.
The government has allocated significant funds, with Rs 50 million designated in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) over the last three years for the renovation and upgradation of railway stations nationwide. This commitment to improving railway infrastructure is in line with Pakistan Railways’ mission to provide maximum facilities to the public.
As part of these efforts, six railway stations have already been successfully upgraded, including Bahawalpur, Raiwind, Narowal, Okara, Sahiwal, and Gujranwala. The upgrades encompass a wide range of improvements, such as enhanced waiting halls, prayer areas, operation offices, water filtration plants, modernized ticket counters, parking areas, and external development work.
With these developments, Pakistan Railways aims to transform its railway stations into vibrant centers of economic activity, not only facilitating passengers but also contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth.
Final Words
The Rawalpindi Railway Station project signifies a bold step toward realizing this vision and further solidifies Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its railway infrastructure while preserving its rich historical heritage. Latest amenities and state-of-the-art facilities are expected.
