Ravinder Bhakar, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, told mid-day that due to Vadodara station's typical 'Y' shaped junction layout where the line from Mumbai divides into two, where one goes towards Ahmedabad and the other goes towards Ratlam – New Delhi.

The operation of trains from Ahmedabad to Ratlam – New Delhi route & vice versa requires reversal of train at Vadodara station. At present 19 pairs of trains are operated from Ahmedabad to Ratlam – Delhi via Vadodara. This requires detaching of engines and attaching it to the other end of the train which leads to the detention of trains, congestion at Vadodara station as platforms are occupied for a longer duration, detention of engine, wastage of man hours etc.

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It is worth mentioning that Vadodara station is a junction station connecting the two very important routes of Mumbai – New Delhi line of Golden Quadrilateral and Mumbai – Ahmedabad line. The station caters to around 200 trains daily and some of the important trains that halt at Vadodara station are Mahamana Express, Rajdhani Express, Duronto, Antyodaya etc. It is an A1 category station and has 7 platforms.

In the last 5 years, 80 new trains were added and the number will further increase in future. Bhakar also stated that in the future the National High-Speed Rail Corridor passing through Vadodara has also planned a station at Vadodara. The construction work of high-speed tracks will require the closure of platform No. 6 and 7 for longer duration thereby further congesting the Vadodara station even further.

Chhayapuri station will turn saviour for passengers and commuters in that area as it will ease the congestion of Vadodara station. Chhayapuri station has 2 full-length platforms (for 26 coach trains) and 2 loop lines. Hence, the trains on Ahmedabad – Ratlam line and vice versa will not be required to undergo reversal at Vadodara Junction. This will save around 27 minutes per train and ease Vadodara station of congestion.

The total cost of the project is Rs. 43 crores. This will pave the way for the introduction of more train on these routes and also improve the punctuality. The areas surrounding the Chhayapuri station will see a spurt in development as the new station will open the doors to opportunities and convenience.

Also Read: Mumbai Central becomes 1st station where 'Polluter Pays' 

Some of the benefits of the project are

Salient features of the New Chhayapuri Satellite Station:

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