The future of the 158-year-old British-era building at Aligarh Railway Station has been decided. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a new modern building will be constructed at a cost of ₹800 crore. While there were initial plans to save the old structure as a heritage site, technical reports have now changed the direction of the project.
Why is the old Aligarh station building being demolished
DRM Rajnish Agarwal of North Central Railway (Prayagraj Division) inspected the station on September 18, 2025. He stated that the railway had first considered preserving the old building as a heritage structure. However, a report from a technical team found the building to be unsafe for passengers. To ensure safety and provide better facilities, the railway will now demolish the old structure to make way for a modern terminal.
What are the features of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
The Ministry of Railways started this scheme in December 2022 to modernize over 1,300 stations across India. The goal is to create a master plan for stations that improves basic passenger amenities and accessibility. The redevelopment focuses on several key areas:
- Improved circulating areas and station entry/exit points.
- Better waiting halls, toilets, and roof structures.
- Installation of new lifts and escalators for easy movement.
- Designs inspired by local culture, heritage, and architecture.
Which other stations are part of this redevelopment
Aligarh Railway Station is being developed along with Agra and Mathura stations under this plan. The project aims to turn stations into catalysts for tourism and youth employment while providing 21st-century facilities. Since station redevelopment involves complex safety checks and legal approvals, the railway has not set a fixed deadline for the completion of the work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the Aligarh station building not being saved as heritage?
A technical team’s report found the 158-year-old British-era building to be unsafe, making it necessary to demolish it for passenger safety.
What is the budget for the new Aligarh station building?
The new building is being constructed under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme with an estimated cost of ₹800 crore.