The Chandigarh Railway station is a pioneering project which is being constructed as a prototype to be followed for all stations to come up on Indian Railways with the aim to expedite construction through modular design and prefabricated components, employing a standard 12m x 12m grid system. M/s. ARUP, a consultant of international repute, was appointed to work out the feasibility and options for redevelopment of Railway Stations on modular concept incorporating the best industry practices followed worldwide and construction methods to reduce the time of construction without affecting the railway operations.
This initiative aims to streamline the design and construction process for various stations, integrating modular solutions and interfaces to achieve a cohesive station design approach. The project emphasizes cost-effectiveness, shorter construction timelines, and a global strategy adaptable to individual elements, all while maintaining a unifying system with grids ensuring modularity and repetition.This is for the first time in the world that the rebuilding of the station by providing concourse on an operational station at such a scale has been taken up. Importance of modularity in construction:
- Brownfield projects, such as Station Development, contend with limited working space in contrast to greenfield projects.
- Ensuring minimal disruption to station operations is essential to alleviate passenger inconvenience.
- Modular construction significantly shortens project durations.
MODULAR STRUCTURE CONCEPT
Modular construction, driven by technological advancements and economic needs, is gaining unprecedented attention and investment. If widely adopted, it has the potential to significantly boost productivity, address housing shortages, and reshape construction practices. This method involves producing standardized building components off-site and assembling them on-location, offering benefits such as reduced construction time, improved quality of work, and minimized disruption to operations. Modularity aims to increase efficiency, shorten construction timelines, and enhance quality control in the industry.
Concept of modularity in construction:
- Standardized Component
- Off-site Fabrication
- Ease of Assembly
- Repetition of Components
Modularity in construction offers several advantages and fulfills various needs in the construction industry which are:
- Speed of Construction,
- Enable Reusability,
- Simplify Complexity
- Cost Efficiency etc.
The adoption of standardised components would enable a significant reduction in construction timeline and would enable fast construction and economies of scale.
Advantage Modular Structure Concept:
- Construction Process Efficiency: Off-site construction allows for streamlined processes in a controlled factory environment, optimizing resource utilization and minimizing downtime.
- Time Efficiency: Simultaneous site preparation and module manufacturing significantly reduce project timelines, enabling faster project completion compared to traditional methods.
- Quality Control: Standardized manufacturing processes ensure consistent quality across modules, reducing the likelihood of errors or defects common in on-site construction.
- Cost-effectiveness: While initial setup costs for factory manufacturing and transportation may be higher, overall project costs are often lower due to reduced labor hours, less material waste, and quicker project completion.
- Flexibility and Customization Challenges: While modular construction offers some degree of customization, it may pose challenges for on-site modifications compared to conventional methods, requiring careful planning and coordination during the design phase.
- Environmental Sustainability: Modular construction minimizes environmental impact by reducing on-site construction waste and energy consumption. Additionally, adherence to green building strategies further enhances sustainability by promoting resource efficiency and minimizing carbon footprint throughout the project lifecycle.
Details of Chandigarh Railway Station Re-development work
- The contract awarded to M/s. Ahluwalia Contracts (India) Limited at a costof Rs. 462.0 Crores.¬¬
- PMC Tender awarded on 08.12.2022 to M/s. Voyants Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
- Right of Way handed over on 23.12.2022.
- Agreement signed on 27.12.2022.
- Appointed date is11.01.2023.
- Period of completion is 15 months from appointed date i.e., up to 10.04.2023.
Salient features of project
1) State of the art Station Buildings: The Station buildings (G+3) of sizes 60m x 42m each are planned on both the sides of the Station. These station buildings are symmetrical in shape and sizes and matches the local architecture, feel and look of the
U.T. Chandigarh. The following facilities are planned to be provided in these station buildings:
2) Air Concourse: An air-concourse of size 72m x 80m is planned to be constructed that will connect the second floors of station buildings on both the sides. This Air-concourse shall be used as waiting area and retail area for departing passengers and will also serve as a city centre for the public. The platform shall be accessible through Lifts, Escalators and stairs from the concourse.
3) Foot Over Bridges: Two number of FOBs (each 12m wide) are planned, one on the Kalka end and other on the Ambala end of the Station. These FOBs shall be used by the arriving passengers and these shall also be connected with the station building. The FOBs shall be accessible through Lifts and stairs from the platform.
4) Through Roof: A through roof of size 180m x 80m shall be provided, covering the entire area of air-concourse and both the FOBs.
5) Development of parking Areas: The present parking areas on both sides of the Railway station shall be developed holistically and the area shall also be increased from existing 13,720 sqm to 24,515 sqm. The detailed bifurcation of areas for various category of vehicles is planned as under:
| S. No | Category of Parking | Chandigarh Side (sqm) | Panchkula Side (sqm) |
| 1 | Car parking (Private + hired vehicle) | 6900.00 | 8562.9 |
| 2 | Three-wheeler parking | 1300.00 | 720 |
| 3 | VIP parking + handicapped | 501.00 | 445 |
| 4 | Two-wheeler parking | 2800.00 | 1412 |
| 5 | Staff parking | 490.00 | 432 |
| 6 | Cycle parking | 60.00 | 62.5 |
| 7 | Bus parking | 495.00 | 335 |
| TOTAL PARKING | 12546.00 | 11,969.4 |
6) Cover sheds on the platforms:The existing platform sheds (13291 sqm) shall be dismantled and the sheds with improvised and modern design (17000 sqm) shall be provided throughout the platform length. The new platform sheds are designed in such a way that there would be no nuisance due to birds and no visible hanging wires or any other undesirable element. The platform sheds are completely based on the modular design starting from the foundation to the coverings/sheeting. These sheds are designed in a grid of 12 m centre to centre on each platform. The step-to-step methodology can be seen in the following photographs:
7) Other development works: The details of other development works are as under:
| S. No | Features | Existing Provisions | Proposed Provisions |
| 1 | Area of existing platform surface to be improved | 25,501 | 25,501 sqm |
| 2 | Length of through roof canopy over concourse and FOBs | NIL | 180 m |
| 3 | Area of through roof canopy over concourse and FOBs | NIL | 14,469 sqm |
| 4 | Road Area | 2000 sqm | 37,745 sqm |
| 5 | No. of Lifts | 02 nos. | 30 Nos. |
| 6 | No. of Escalators | 08 Nos. | 10 Nos |
| 7 | Solar Plant Capacity (Power) | 190 kWPh | 1350 kWPh |
Progress of Chandigarh Railway Station Re-development work:
STATION BUILDINGS:
Panchkula side station building (G+3):
- Overall Progress 75 %
- Foundation work: Completed,
- Framework: Completed,
- Fabrication & erection: Completed,
- Slab Casting: 96%,
- Block Work: 98%,
- Gypsum Plaster: 50%,
- Plumbing: Ground & First floor completed,
- MEPF Work: In progress.
Chandigarh side station building (G+3):
1) Overall Progress 65 %
- Foundation work: Completed,
- Framework: Completed,
- Fabrication: Completed,
- Erection Work: Completed,
- Deck Sheeting: 90%,
- Slab Casting: 85%,
- Block Work: 90%.2) Air Concourse:
- Foundation work for Airconcourse on
- PF-06 (Completed),
- PF-04/05 (Completed) & PF-02/03 (Completed).
- Fabrication completed and material received at site.
3) Foot Over Bridges:
- Foundation work for FOBs on PF-06 (80%),
- PF-04/05 (80%)
- PF-2/3 (80%)
- Foundation work of FOB outside platform area 9% (In progress).
- Fabrication completed and material received at site.
4) Through Roof:
Foundation work for FOBs on PF-06 (87%),
PF-04/05 (87%) &
PF-2/3 (87%).
Fabrication in progress at site.
5) Development of parking Areas
Chandigarh Side External Development work: 32% completed.
Panchkula Side External Development work: 48% completed.
6) Cover sheds on the platforms: Roof Sheeting on PF-02/03 Completed for Phase-1.
7) Other development works:
Refurbishment of Platforms (5 nos.): Construction of pre-cast footings: Completed, Insertion of Footings on PF-06: 65%, Insertion of Footings on PF-4/5: 90%, Insertion of Footings on PF-2/3: 70%.
8) Sub-Station work: Foundation work on Chandigarh side (90%).
Views expressed by Ved Parkash Dudeja, Vice Chairman, Rail Land Development Authority
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