Western Railway Opens Chandkheda Road Stop on Sabarmati-Katosan Line
Western Railway has opened a new stop at Chandkheda Road station in Gujarat for the Sabarmati-Katosan Road MEMU train, offering a faster link for workers, students and pilgrims in the Ahmedabad region. The halt is operational from October 28, with services beginning on Wednesday.
The railway's Ahmedabad Division has introduced the new halt for trains 69249 and 69250. The stop was formally launched in a ceremony led by Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Deputy Mayor Anju Shah and Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash, along with other officials.
The new stop will help residents of Chandkheda and adjoining areas travel to Sabarmati, Kalol, Kadi, Katosan Road and Bechraji with greater ease. Daily travellers, students, industrial employees and devotees visiting the Mata temple at Bechraji are expected to gain the most.
Timings have been set for both directions. Train 69250 will arrive at Chandkheda Road at 9:40 am while travelling from Katosan Road to Sabarmati, departing at 9:41 am. Train 69249 will reach the station at 5:27 pm on its journey from Sabarmati to Katosan Road and leave at 5:28 pm.
Speaking at the event, Ved Prakash said the halt forms part of efforts to strengthen rail connectivity in Ahmedabad across Sabarmati, Chandkheda, Kalol, Kadi and Bechraji. He emphasised the role of rail services for employees going to industrial hubs, especially the Bechraji industrial belt that houses the Maruti Industrial Area. He also said improved links would support devotees going to the Mata temple in Bechraji.
The divisional manager noted that Chandkheda Road station could develop into an important railway hub. Upgrades to the station and better road connections are being planned to link it more closely with Ahmedabad's urban transport system.
To guide future transport infrastructure, the State Urban Development Department, Gujarat Metro and Indian Railways have jointly carried out a survey assessing population patterns and the scope for urban expansion. The objective is to improve connections between residential areas, employment centres and industrial zones while reducing road dependence and congestion.
Ved Prakash also outlined a proposed mega coaching depot at Vatva, which is expected to include around 100 lines. The facility will support the maintenance and operational requirements of trains running from the Ahmedabad rail complex as passenger demand grows.
He pointed to rising investment in rail, noting that Gujarat's annual railway budget allocation has increased from Rs 589 crore before 2014 to Rs 17,366 crore, nearly 30 times higher.
He further said 88 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to improve passenger facilities, modernise station premises and strengthen connectivity with surrounding urban areas.
Projects such as a circular railway network, new lines, station redevelopment and modern coaching facilities are being planned to serve transport needs over the next 50 to 100 years, he added.
The Chandkheda Road halt is being built to reinforce local rail connectivity as industrial and residential areas in Ahmedabad and its surroundings continue to grow.