India’s First Vertical 16-Storey Railway Station Set to Transform Travel in Ahmedabad, India

Published on December 3, 2025

A major shift in India’s transport landscape is being prepared as Ahmedabad moves toward unveiling the nation’s first vertical 16-storey railway station, a landmark development designed to redefine how travellers navigate one of Gujarat’s busiest transit hubs. The upcoming structure, positioned above platforms 10, 11 and 12 of the iconic Kalupur station, is being envisioned as a fully integrated multimodal hub where conventional rail services, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, the city’s metro network, and multiple road-based transport systems will be streamlined within a single vertical complex. The project reflects a deliberate move toward compact and intelligent urban planning, mirroring the transit-oriented systems often seen in major global destinations.

With its towering architecture, enhanced concourses, commercial zones, and seamless interconnections, the development is expected to create a smoother and more intuitive travel experience for passengers arriving from across India and internationally. By reducing surface congestion and optimizing movement through layered circulation, the hub has been designed to accommodate the city’s expanding demand for efficient and modern transportation. Its strategic role in facilitating the country’s first high-speed rail corridor further adds to its significance, placing Ahmedabad on the global map of advanced mobility infrastructure.

A Landmark Vertical Transit Hub Designed for India

The upcoming Ahmedabad railway station redevelopment is being structured as a first-of-its-kind vertical hub in India, introducing a format that has rarely been implemented across the country’s conventional rail architecture. The 16-storey building is planned to rise directly above platforms 10, 11 and 12 of the historic Kalupur station, creating a complex where multiple passenger services can be organised across different floors. Instead of expanding outward into limited urban space, verticality is being used as the core design principle to handle rising passenger numbers and increasing urban density.

This architectural approach is expected to reduce the station’s ground-level footprint, making room for more organised vehicular flows at street level. Multi-level passenger concourses, waiting areas, retail sections, and operational zones will be arranged in a tiered manner. Such layering is intended to allow smoother transitions between services, improved crowd management, and better utilisation of space in one of Ahmedabad’s most high-traffic precincts. With the city’s growing status as a business and tourism gateway in western India, the project is also being framed as a long-term investment in enhanced travel efficiency.

A Complete Multimodal Connection for Domestic and International Travellers

A central purpose of this redevelopment is the creation of a unified multimodal system where different forms of transport coexist under one coordinated structure. Direct connectivity to the Kalupur Metro Station has been planned, allowing passengers to move between metro lines, high-speed trains, conventional trains, and road-based transport with minimal friction.

Improved approach roads are expected to channel local buses, private vehicles, and app-based taxis more efficiently into the station area. Elevated pedestrian walkways, enhanced drop-off zones, and clearly segregated circulation paths are also being incorporated. These upgrades aim to reduce last-mile challenges, which have been a major concern around older railway hubs across India. The idea is to allow someone arriving from any part of Ahmedabad, or visiting from neighbouring districts or states, to access every major transport service without navigating confusing or overcrowded pathways.

For travellers arriving from other parts of India or from abroad, the integrated format will offer a more international-standard transit experience, comparable to hubs often seen in Japan, Singapore, and various parts of Europe.

A Key Node in India’s First Bullet Train Corridor

The redevelopment gains added importance due to its role within the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, popularly known as India’s bullet train project. This corridor is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to approximately two hours, compared to the current seven to eight hours by conventional transport.

The Ahmedabad hub is planned as one of the principal terminals on this route, making it a significant node in the country’s emerging high-speed rail ecosystem. Its location, design, and connectivity structure will support efficient transfers between the bullet train, local metro lines, and existing Indian Railways services. Travellers arriving on the high-speed network will be able to conveniently continue their journeys within the city or beyond, creating a seamless chain of mobility that aligns with modern tourism and business travel demands within India.

Modern Passenger Facilities with Greater Comfort and Accessibility

The upcoming vertical station is expected to house upgraded passenger concourses equipped with intuitive navigation systems, improved digital signages, and expanded entry and exit points. The multiple lounge areas will be structured to accommodate short-stay passengers as well as long-distance travellers seeking comfort during layovers.

Integrated commercial spaces will add dining options, retail outlets, and essential services within the building, reducing the need for travellers to move outside during peak hours or tight schedules. Dedicated passenger movement paths are being planned to prevent overcrowding and improve the overall flow of people across different levels. Parking facilities, drop-off sections, and accessibility features for differently-abled travellers are also set to be enhanced.

This mix of travel-centric amenities is expected to elevate the overall passenger experience and align Ahmedabad’s main station with the standards of modern global transit hubs.

Projected Timeline and Future Influence on India’s Transport Landscape

According to current reports, July 2027 has been indicated as the tentative completion deadline for the station redevelopment. Once operational, the project is likely to significantly improve Ahmedabad’s connectivity framework and contribute to the smooth functioning of the bullet train corridor. Its success may also motivate the development of similar multimodal hubs across major cities in India, particularly as the country’s transportation ecosystem evolves to meet international travel expectations and growing domestic demand.

For tourists visiting India, especially those exploring Gujarat or travelling between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the new station will offer a far more efficient, organised, and enjoyable transit environment. It is expected to serve not only as a travel facility but as a landmark symbolising India’s journey toward advanced mobility solutions.