Ambala Railway Division Sees Daily Footfall Rise to 38,500 Passengers

Passenger traffic across the Ambala railway division has increased nearly two-and-a-half times over the past five financial years, reflecting the growing dependence on rail transport in northern India. According to official data, the division recorded an average daily footfall of 38,554 passengers during the 2025–26 financial year, a significant rise from 15,379 passengers per day in 2021–22. The Ambala railway division, one of Northern Railway's busiest networks, serves Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

The steady increase in passenger numbers has been evident throughout the five-year period. Average daily ridership rose from 15,379 in 2021–22 to 31,219 in 2022–23, followed by 35,145 in 2023–24, 37,180 in 2024–25 and 38,554 in 2025–26. Annual passenger figures also showed a consistent upward trend, increasing from 56,13,506 in 2021–22 to 1,13,94,750 in 2022–23, 1,28,63,168 in 2023–24, 1,35,70,552 in 2024–25 and reaching 1,40,72,148 in 2025–26.

The impact of this growth is particularly visible at Chandigarh railway station, one of the busiest stations under the Ambala railway division. The station handles thousands of passengers every day and experiences heavy crowds during morning and evening peak hours, weekends and festive seasons. The increasing number of commuters has placed greater pressure on station infrastructure, with overcrowded concourses, longer queues at entry points and rising demand for passenger facilities becoming common during high-traffic periods.

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The surge in passenger movement has also resulted in frequent traffic congestion outside the railway station. Pick-up and drop-off areas often witness heavy movement of private vehicles, taxis and auto-rickshaws competing for limited space, causing delays for commuters. As passenger traffic continues to rise, the need for expanded parking facilities, better waiting areas and improved traffic circulation around the station has become increasingly important.

Concerns over traffic management around Chandigarh railway station have also been raised by local representatives. Chandigarh Member of Parliament Manish Tewari recently highlighted that commuters have at times taken nearly one-and-a-half hours to cover just one kilometre on the approach roads during peak periods. He urged the traffic police to prepare a comprehensive traffic management plan to improve vehicle movement and reduce congestion around the station.

The sustained rise in passenger numbers underscores the growing importance of the Ambala railway division as a key transportation hub in northern India. While the increasing footfall reflects greater public reliance on rail travel, it also highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, enhanced passenger amenities and better traffic planning to ensure that stations under the division can efficiently handle future growth and provide a smoother travel experience for commuters.

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