Ahmedabad To Get India's First Vertical 16-Storey Railway Station: Why It's Unique

Ahmedabad is set to undergo a major urban transport upgrade with the construction of India's first 16-storey railway station, a project that promises to reshape how travellers move through one of Gujarat's busiest hubs. The redevelopment, planned as a fully integrated multimodal complex, aims to bring conventional rail, the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, metro services, and road-based public transport under a single vertical structure. This marks a significant shift from the traditional low-rise station format toward a more compact, transit-oriented model usually seen in large global cities. Designed with improved connectivity, modern concourses, and commercial facilities, the project is expected to offer a smoother, more efficient travel experience once completed.

A First-of-Its-Kind Vertical Transit Hub

The upcoming station will stand above platforms 10, 11 and 12 of the existing Kalupur railway station, making it India's first vertical rail hub of this scale. The 16-storey structure has been planned to house passenger concourses, waiting areas, retail zones, offices and large intermodal connections. The "vertical station architecture" uses height instead of horizontal sprawl to manage rising footfall and limited urban space.

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Designed As a Multimodal Hub

One of the key objectives of the project is seamless connectivity. The facility will link directly to the Kalupur Metro Station, ensuring smooth transfers between metro, high-speed rail, conventional rail and road transport. Wider approach roads, improved bus access, and elevated passenger circulation areas are also part of the plan. The idea is to reduce last-mile friction for travellers arriving from different parts of the city or neighbouring districts.

Role in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Corridor

The station will serve as a significant node on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, India's first bullet-train line. Once operational, high-speed trains are expected to cut travel time between the two cities to around two hours, compared to the current 7-8 hours by road or conventional train. The Ahmedabad hub will act as one of the central terminals, offering quick access to connecting metro lines and regular rail services.

What Travellers Can Expect Inside

Plans indicate a modern station equipped with enhanced concourses, better navigation systems, accessible entry and exit points, upgraded waiting lounges, and integrated commercial space. Parking areas and dedicated passenger movement paths are expected to help manage crowd flow more effectively. The overall design aims to improve ease of movement and reduce congestion during peak hours.

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As per reports, July 2027 is the tentative completion deadline. If delivered as planned, the project could significantly improve Ahmedabad's connectivity footprint and support the rollout of the bullet train. It may also encourage similar multimodal hubs in other major cities as rail travel evolves to meet growing urban mobility demands.