New Surat Railway Station To Handle 40,000 Passengers

SURAT: Surat’s railway station is set for a dramatic transformation after nearly 75 years, with the redeveloped complex designed to handle up to 40,000 passengers at a time, nearly four times its existing capacity, while offering airport-like facilities.

The details were unveiled by lead architect Gurpreet S. Shah at the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SGCCI) ‘Surat Mega Project Series’ held at SPB Hall, Sarsana.

Shah said the redevelopment, spread across 3.42 lakh square metres, or around 40 lakh sq ft, is being executed amid continuous train operations and heavy passenger movement.

“Constructing the Surat station is more challenging than the Ahmedabad project because this massive infrastructure is taking shape amidst bustling passenger traffic and continuous train operations,” Shah said.

The new station will have separate zones for arrivals and departures, with passenger management designed on airport lines. A massive G+4 concourse will connect the eastern and western sides of the station with the GSRTC bus terminal, while parking for around 2,400 cars will be provided on both sides.

The station will have eight platforms in a 4+2+2 configuration. To control peak-hour crowds, passengers will be permitted to enter platform areas only 45 minutes before their scheduled train departure.

The complex will incorporate large glass panels for natural lighting, temperature-control systems and facilities for differently-abled passengers. Security infrastructure will include airport-grade fire alarms, SCADA, CCTV, baggage scanners, DFMDs, a building management system and self-ticketing machines.

Commercial projects and public amenities are also planned across the 80-acre area surrounding the station, creating a larger multimodal urban hub.

SGCCI President Ashok Jirawala said the project reflected Surat’s aspirations.

“A city is not merely an inanimate structure of bricks, iron or cement; it comes alive through the enterprise, innovative spirit and indomitable zeal of its citizens,” Jirawala said.

He added that the new railway station would become a distinctive landmark and enhance Surat’s national and global stature.