India’s first privately managed, world-class railway station is located not in a metro city like New Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, but in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, formerly known as Habibganj Railway Station, was renamed in November 2021 to honour the Gond queen Rani Kamalapati.
What makes this station stand out is its airport-style infrastructure and range of modern amenities. Developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, this railway station is a pioneer in Indian Railways’ modernization efforts.
Top-Notch Amenities
The station boasts facilities on par with an airport, including:
- Air-conditioned waiting lounges
- A spacious covered parking area
- 24×7 power backup
- Clean drinking water facilities
- Commercial spaces such as shops, offices, and automobile showrooms
- A convention centre, hotel, and even a super-specialty hospital
Located in the Habibganj suburb of Bhopal, this station is under the West Central Railway (WCR) zone and serves as the headquarters of the Bhopal Railway Division.
A Model for Future Stations
Rani Kamalapati Railway Station is a part of Indian Railways’ larger vision to modernize infrastructure. Alongside the development of dedicated freight corridors and high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Tejas Express, the station sets a benchmark for future redevelopment projects.
With over 7,300 stations serving nearly 13,000 trains daily, Indian Railways is among the largest and busiest rail networks in the world. The Rani Kamalapati station is a shining example of how Indian Railways is adapting to meet modern passenger expectations.
