Move over Delhi and Mumbai — it’s Bhopal that’s now leading India’s railway revolution.
Rani Kamlapati Railway Station, formerly known as Habibganj, has become India’s first privately operated railway station, developed under an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Inaugurated on November 15, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the station has been named in honor of Gond queen Rani Kamlapati. The station code has also been changed from HBJ to RKMP.
Designed with an airport-like experience in mind, the station offers world-class passenger amenities, modern retail outlets, food courts, solar-powered energy solutions, and high-security infrastructure—all while maintaining exceptional cleanliness and accessibility.
This transformation, led by the Bansal Group in collaboration with the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC), is part of Indian Railways’ larger modernization initiative. The redevelopment of Rani Kamlapati Station is a flagship example of how private participation is reshaping public transport infrastructure in India.
Indian Railways has already achieved 100% electrification across its broad-gauge network. Now, with a renewed focus on passenger convenience, cleanliness, and operational efficiency, projects like Rani Kamlapati are setting the template for future station upgrades across the country. Similar developments are planned for major hubs like New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai CST—making world-class rail travel a reality for millions.
