Prime Minister Narendra Modi to virtually inaugurate restored British-era Vellore Cantonment railway station on October 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the restored British-era Vellore Cantonment railway station on October 11 during his visit to Tamil Nadu, according to railway officials. The heritage station, located beside the 16th century Vellore Fort complex in the heart of the town, has undergone a comprehensive upgrade since 2023 under the Indian Railways’ station redevelopment programme.
Inauguration from Chennai
Officials said the Prime Minister will launch the upgraded facility via video conferencing from Chennai, where he is expected to inaugurate various completed works of Southern Railway across the State. “The Vellore Cantonment railway station is located between two pilgrim spots such as Tiruvannamalai and Tirupati. As a result, the restored facility will provide better civic amenities to long-distance travellers,” said a railway official.
Revamp under station redevelopment project
The restoration began in 2023 as part of the railways’ broader station redevelopment initiative aimed at improving passenger experience. The programme focuses on features such as separate arrival and departure corridors, brighter LED lighting, hassle-free platform access through escalators, lifts and skywalks, and the integration of water conservation systems like rainwater harvesting.
Upgraded amenities and passenger facilities
At Vellore Cantonment, the makeover has brought tangible upgrades across the station precinct:
• New LED lighting has been installed across tiled platforms to enhance visibility and safety.
• Twenty-five granite benches on the platforms have been refurbished to provide comfortable seating.
• Old asbestos shelters have been replaced with steel shelters. Each shelter measures 16 metres in length and can accommodate at least 50 people at a time; benches have been added under these structures for commuter convenience.
• The ticketing area at the station entrance—spanning approximately 2,500 sq ft—has been fully revamped with granite flooring, LED fixtures, and digital information boards displaying real-time train timings.
• New washrooms, including facilities for passengers with disabilities, have been created, alongside a purified drinking water system.
• Solar power panels have been installed to support sustainable operations.
• Separate parking lots for cars and two-wheelers have been developed to streamline vehicular movement and improve last-mile connectivity.
• Lifts connected by steel bridges now link the platforms, improving accessibility for seniors, passengers with reduced mobility, and those carrying luggage.
Heritage station and operational context
Tucked between major junctions Katpadi and Tiruvannamalai, Vellore Cantonment is among the region’s oldest stations. Established in the late 19th century, it spreads over 36 acres behind the Vellore Corporation headquarters on Infantry Road. Despite its historical significance and strategic location, the station currently handles around 25 trains a day. The last major upgrade at the facility was carried out in November 2008.
Project cost and significance
Railway officials pegged the total cost of the restoration at around ₹8 crore. The upgraded amenities are expected to particularly benefit long-distance travellers and pilgrims transiting between key religious destinations such as Tiruvannamalai and Tirupati.
The virtual inauguration on October 11 will formally reopen the refurbished Vellore Cantonment station to the public, marking a fresh chapter for the British-era facility as it balances heritage character with modern commuter needs.
