India’s First Private Railway Station: Rani Kamalapati Station Offers Airport-Like Amenities
A New Benchmark in Indian Rail Travel
Rani Kamalapati Station in Bhopal has become a landmark in the country’s transport network. Known earlier as Habibganj, it is India’s First Private Railway Station. The redevelopment was carried out by the Bansal Group in partnership with the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the upgraded station in November 2021. While Indian Railways owns it, daily operations and maintenance are handled by the private developer under a Public-Private Partnership model.
Facilities That Match an Airport Experience
India’s First Private Railway Station offers travellers modern services that feel similar to airport standards. The station features a fully air-conditioned lobby, high-speed elevators, round-the-clock power backup and clean drinking water. Passengers can access a wide covered parking space, retail shops, food courts, a convention centre, office areas and even a hotel inside the complex.
Designed for Convenience and Ease of Travel
The focus on passenger comfort is visible across the station. Automatic ticketing systems, well-maintained platforms and clear navigation boards help commuters move without confusion. The station complex also includes a super-speciality hospital and automobile showrooms, making it a multi-purpose public hub.
India’s First ‘Private’ Railway Station, Rani Kamalapati, Bhopal, looks cleaner, safer, and better managed than most Govt-run stations.
— Gems (@gemsofbabus_) November 16, 2025
Hard Truth: when Babudom handles stations, decay is guaranteed. When private players manage them, standards rise. pic.twitter.com/f67RSBt3gu
Connectivity Through Premium Trains
Being India’s First Private Railway Station, Rani Kamalapati Station serves several premium trains such as Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express and Duronto Express. This gives Bhopal strong connectivity with major cities across India. In a railway network of more than 7,300 stations, this station stands out as a model of what modernisation can look like.
Future Redevelopment Across the Country
Inspired by the success of India’s First Private Railway Station, major stations like New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai CST are now being considered for similar upgrades. This marks a major shift in how large stations in the country may develop in the coming years.
