A new affordable air-conditioned waiting hall at Ahmedabad Junction railway station, also known as Kalupur Station, has seen a substantial response from passengers since its opening.
Priced at ₹20 per person, the facility aims to offer comfort at a low cost.
In the three months since its launch, more than 100,000 passengers have utilised the waiting hall, generating nearly ₹25 lakh in revenue. This surge underlines the demand for enhanced passenger amenities at the busy station.
Indian Railways officials have expressed satisfaction with the response. Ved Prakash, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Western Railway Ahmedabad Division, stated, “In just three months, the AC waiting hall has generated around ₹25 lakh in revenue. More than one lakh passengers have already used the facility. What is particularly surprising is that many people are spending more than an hour inside the hall, which shows how useful and comfortable they find it. The Ahmedabad station area is very important for passengers, and such facilities help improve their overall travel experience.”
The AC waiting hall provides a hygienic and comfortable environment for passengers awaiting trains. Amenities include clean washrooms, newspapers, a canteen, and dedicated baby-care rooms, which are especially advantageous for families travelling with children.
Passengers have shared positive feedback about the facility. Pranav Trivedi, a resident of Ahmedabad, said he was “pleasantly surprised to find such a well-equipped waiting room on the platform,” highlighting the air-conditioning, canteen, showers, separate toilets for women, and adequate seating capacity.
Ketan Patel, a businessman from Nagpur, also commended the facility, noting the excellent accommodation and hygiene standards. He praised the comfortable seating arrangements and well-maintained washrooms.
Officials indicated that, given its popularity, the affordable AC waiting hall model may be introduced at other major railway stations across India in the near future.