Chandigarh Railway Station Implements 36 Day Rail Block for Redevelopment
Chandigarh Railway Station has commenced a significant 36-day rail block that began on September 10, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on October 15, 2026. This disruption is required to facilitate the final stages of a ₹462-crore redevelopment project managed by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), which is currently over 90% complete. The work involves the erection of a new roof structure and the dismantling of the existing foot overbridge. The Senior Divisional Operations Manager, Ambala Cantt, issued the official order regarding this block on September 2.
- 36-day rail block active from September 10 to October 15, 2026 for final redevelopment.
- Project managed by RLDA with a budget of ₹462 crore, currently over 90% complete.
- Total disruptions include 442 affected train trips across three distinct 12-day phases.
- No extensions are planned so the station is fully ready for the festival and peak travel season.
Phased Block Schedule and Train Disruptions
The block is structured in three distinct 12-day phases: Phase 1 (September 10–21) targets Line 6, Line 7, and Line 8; Phase 2 (September 22–October 3) affects Line 4 and Line 5; and Phase 3 (October 4–15) impacts Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3. Railway officials have confirmed there will be no extensions to this schedule to ensure the station is fully operational for the upcoming festival and peak travel season.
Total disruptions include 442 affected train trips, marking the largest series of service changes at the station in recent years. Approximately 12 train services are fully cancelled or will operate fewer trips between September 9 and October 16. Key routes experiencing significant cancellations include Delhi-Kalka, Chandigarh-Amritsar, Chandigarh-Firozpur, Ambala-Jalandhar City, Ambala-Delhi, and Ambala-Kalka. Additionally, six train pairs, such as the Ramnagar–Chandigarh, Ajmer–Chandigarh Garib Rath, and Udaipur–Chandigarh, will be short-terminated or short-originated at Ambala Cantt.
Passenger Assistance and Alternative Arrangements
To accommodate the changes, 76 trains will operate from different platforms than usual, with specific shifts scheduled for services like the New Delhi–Kalka Shatabdi Express. Eight long-distance trains will gain temporary halts at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) station to manage passenger flow. Furthermore, the 14615/14616 Lal Kuan–Amritsar Express will be diverted via Ambala Cantt–Sirhind–Sanehwal on October 3 and 10.
Passengers are advised to monitor the NTES app, contact Rail Madad (139), or visit station inquiry counters for live status updates. Northern Railway has deployed additional RPF and commercial personnel to assist travelers during this period.