Nagpur, 15 Jan (HS): The Nagpur Railway Station, a landmark of Indian Railways and a symbol of

connectivity and heritage marks 100 glorious years of service. The Railway

Station was officially inaugurated on January 15, 1925, by Sir Frank Sly, the

then Governor of the Central Provinces. The station remained a vital link in

India’s rail network, blending historical significance with modern

functionality.

Strategically

situated at the intersection of the Howrah–Mumbai and Delhi–Chennai corridors,

Nagpur Railway Station serves as a critical junction in the nation’s

transportation map. Its iconic Diamond Crossing, where two major railway lines

converge, highlights its unique role in connecting different parts of the

country.

Over the years,

Nagpur Railway Station has evolved into one of the busiest hubs in Indian

Railways. Currently, it handles an average of 283 trains daily, with 96 trains

originating or terminating at the station. The station has also witnessed remarkable

growth in passenger numbers, recording an average daily footfall of 64,541

during the financial year 2023-24, amounting to a total of 2.36 crore

passengers.

In the current financial year, the daily average has surged to

68,729 passengers, reflecting its ever-increasing importance.

The station’s journey began in 1867 when

the railways first reached Nagpur, heralding a new era of connectivity. It was

later renamed Nagpur Junction in 1920, the same year it welcomed Mahatma Gandhi

during the Non-Cooperation Movement. The current station building, inaugurated

in 1925, has since stood as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy in

India’s transportation history.

Today,

Nagpur Railway Station is on the cusp of a major transformation. With a

redevelopment project worth ₹488 crore launched in December 2022 by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi, the station is set to offer world-class amenities,

including a roof plaza, multimodal integration, and eco-friendly

infrastructure. This ambitious initiative is aimed at enhancing passenger

experience and operational efficiency, ensuring the station’s relevance for

generations to come.

Modernization

efforts have also included the introduction of the prestigious Vande Bharat

Express in December 2022, underscoring Nagpur’s role as a hub of innovation and

progress within the Indian Railways network.

As

Nagpur Railway Station celebrates a century of excellence, it remains a beacon

of growth and a cornerstone of India’s rail infrastructure. With its rich

history, ever-growing passenger base, and bold vision for the future, the

station stands ready to continue its legacy of service and connectivity for

another hundred years and beyond.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar