Iconic Charbagh station wheeling towards a modern makeover
The iconic Charbagh railway station building is a testament to Lucknow's cultural tapestry, weaving together Awadh's regal charm and British architectural finesse. Since its inception in 1926, this architectural gem—known for its unique design that muffles the clamour of trains—has been a bustling gateway for travellers. Now, it's poised for a major transformation, as the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has laid out a Rs 420 crore redevelopment project to turn Charbagh into a world-class transit hub that blends heritage with cutting-edge functionality.
A Vision for the future
The project encompassing both the Northern Railway and North Eastern Railway zones will accommodate a staggering 1.40 lakh passengers daily while ensuring seamless connectivity, sustainability, and passenger comfort. The station's redevelopment is a delicate balancing act—preserving its historical essence while introducing modern amenities to meet the demands of a rapidly growing city.
At the heart of the transformation are two massive concourses: a 120 metres x 115 metres structure for NR and a 75m x 30m concourse for NER, designed to handle peak-hour crowds of up to 10,000 passengers.
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These concourses will be interconnected by multiple foot overbridges (FOBs), including Metro-integrated FOBs, ensuring effortless movement across platforms and city sides.
'The idea is seamless movement,' said a rail official. The western FOB will link directly to the Lucknow Metro's Charbagh station, connecting both NER station and NR concourses, with escalators and lifts for accessibility. The eastern FOB will tie Station Road and Kanpur Road directly to platform No.
1 and further.
Elevating the passenger experience
A sprawling ground plus six-floor building spanning 45,270 square metres at the rear will house airconditioned waiting areas, food courts, dormitories, and commercial spaces. New blocks on the east and west will enhance accessibility and aesthetics, while dedicated drop-off/pick-up zones and widened roads will ease traffic congestion. Parking facilities for 900 two-wheelers and 900 four-wheelers will cater to the station's bustling traffic.
Passenger amenities are at the core of the design. Retiring rooms, cloakrooms, medical facilities, CCTV surveillance, baggage scanners, and smart signage systems will elevate the travel experience. The NR zone, which currently has nine platforms, will get two more — all 11 platforms to be accessible via the elevated concourse. This concourse will double as a vibrant hub with waiting areas, shops, and other facilities for travellers.
Sustainability and innovation
Sustainability is woven into the project's core. Rainwater harvesting systems, stormwater management, and landscaped public spaces reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship. The use of pre-engineered buildings, modular construction, and building information modelling ensures precision and efficiency, minimizing waste and maximizing durability.
Progress amid challenges
The transformation is well underway, with over 84% of the rear station building structure complete.
Platform panel casting is finished, and external development is progressing. An integrated running room with 326 beds and a new workshop store are ready for handover. However, the journey hasn't been without hurdles. The rear entry project, initially slated for completion by Dec 2025, has been delayed to May 2026 due to challenges like the Kumbh Mela rush, the relocation of railway assets, and land availability issues.
A 56-day block is currently in place to develop the concourse over platforms 2 through 6.Once the rear entry is complete, railway operations will shift to the southern side, freeing up the northern front for Rail Land Development Authority to begin work on the station's iconic facade. Existing railway offices, rest houses, and utility structures are being relocated to make way for these new developments.
Honouring a legacy
Charbagh's historical significance is not lost in this transformation.
The redevelopment respects its 1926 design, celebrated for muffling train sounds legacy, blending timeless elements with modern aesthetics that reflect Lucknow's evolving identity as a vibrant metropolis.
A new chapter by 2026
As the project races toward its anticipated completion in the last quarter of 2026, Charbagh railway station is poised to emerge as a beacon of progress, a transit hub that honours its storied past while embracing the future.
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