Empty platform, locked ticket stalls: Rs 6-crore Bhopal station bears deserted look
A fully built railway station in Madhya Pradesh's capital continues to wear a deserted and ghostly look nearly three years after its completion, with platforms
A fully built railway station in Madhya Pradesh's capital continues to wear a deserted and ghostly look nearly three years after its completion, with platforms lying vacant, ticket counters locked and no passenger train stopping at the facility. Nishatpura Railway Station in Bhopal, constructed at a cost of around Rs 6 crore, remains non-operational despite being equipped with nearly all the infrastructure required for passenger services. Read Full Story The station, completed in June 2023, was built to strengthen railway operations in Bhopal and reduce congestion at the busy Bhopal Junction. However, the objective remains unrealised as no passenger train has been allotted a stoppage at the station so far. The station premises presents a striking contrast between modern infrastructure and complete inactivity.
The platforms are clean but empty, with no commuters in sight. Ticket booking counters and waiting halls remain shut, while foot-over bridges, lighting, seating areas and other passenger amenities stand unused. Freight wagons can be seen stationed on adjoining tracks, but passenger movement is entirely absent as express and long-distance trains continue to pass through without halting. The prolonged delay has also begun to affect the condition of the station. Several parts of the premises show signs of neglect, with dust and dirt accumulating in open areas due to the lack of regular use. Drinking water kiosks require maintenance, while administrative rooms and passenger facilities remain locked. The silence across the station has given the newly built facility the appearance of an abandoned railway stop rather than a functioning transport hub.
The project was conceived to ease operational pressure on Bhopal Junction, where trains from the Western Railway network often face delays while waiting for platforms or undergoing engine changes and reversal procedures. Railway planners had intended Nishatpura Station to handle a portion of these operations, helping save valuable turnaround time and improving traffic management at the city's main railway station. Despite the infrastructure being complete, operational approval is still awaited. According to West Central Railway, mandatory procedures such as safety inspections, operational clearances, staff deployment and other formalities have not yet been completed. Officials have also pointed to pending work on approach roads and drainage infrastructure before passenger services can begin. The delay has raised questions over the utilisation of public infrastructure created with significant expenditure.
The BriefWire