Jadavpur station set for major makeover, Eastern Railway plans 3,000-sq-metre mini mart

New Delhi: Eastern Railway is set to give Jadavpur Railway Station a major makeover with plans to develop a large mini mart spread across nearly 3,000 square metres. The proposed facility will bring a range of everyday essentials and food outlets under one roof, offering greater convenience to passengers.

Preparations for the project have already begun, according to railway authorities. The initiative is expected to benefit both commuters and small traders by creating new commercial opportunities around the busy south Kolkata station.

What will the mini mart offer?

Jadavpur is one of the major and busiest railway stations in Kolkata’s southern suburbs. The mini mart will reportedly come up on railway land adjacent to the station as part of an effort to make the area more vibrant and passenger-friendly.

The facility will feature several small shops, with the maximum size of an individual shop set at 80 square feet. Shops will occupy no more than 25 per cent of the designated area.

The mini mart is expected to include outlets selling daily-use products as well as food items, allowing passengers to shop for essentials while travelling.

According to Eastern Railway sources, around 50 per cent of the commercial space will be allocated to small shops, while 25 per cent will be reserved for larger retail outlets. Around 20–30 per cent of the space is expected to be used for passenger movement and beautification.

The facility will not be limited to shops. Plans also include waiting areas, toilets and parking facilities for passengers. Depending on the final layout, around 5–20 per cent of the space could be allocated for these passenger amenities.

The railway authorities are also planning a new ticket booking counter and a foot overbridge equipped with lifts to improve passenger movement around the station.

Could evicted hawkers get space?

The project comes just days after an eviction drive was carried out at Jadavpur station, raising concerns over the livelihood of local hawkers.

However, the proposed mini mart could potentially provide an opportunity for some of the evicted hawkers to restart their businesses. Railway sources have indicated that **rehabilitation of displaced hawkers may be considered within the new facility**.

If implemented, the move could provide a fresh source of income for several small traders while bringing them into a more organised commercial setup.

Commuters welcome the move

Regular passengers have reportedly welcomed the railway’s plan. Commuters believe the mini mart will make their daily journeys more convenient by providing essential goods and food outlets close to the station.

Passengers are also expected to benefit from the planned waiting areas, toilets, parking facilities and improved connectivity within the station premises.

With the proposed mini mart and additional passenger facilities, Eastern Railway’s redevelopment plan could significantly change the way commuters use and experience Jadavpur station.