Key Takeaways
- Chandigarh Junction (station code CDG) sits in Daria, about 8 km from Sector 17 city centre.
- The station has 6 platforms and handles roughly 68 trains, including the Kalka-Howrah Mail and Amritsar Mail.
- It falls under Northern Railway, with the original Kalka line dating to 1891.
- A ₹462 crore redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme was about 90% complete in early 2026.
Chandigarh Station, officially Chandigarh Junction with station code CDG, is the city’s main railway station, located in Daria roughly 8 kilometers from the Sector 17 city centre. It serves as the primary rail gateway to Chandigarh, connecting the city to Delhi, Amritsar, Kalka, and other North Indian destinations.
Consequently, most rail travelers heading to Chandigarh, Mohali, or Panchkula pass through this single station. This guide covers its location, platforms, train connectivity, and the redevelopment currently underway.
Location and Station Code
Chandigarh Junction sits in the Daria area, about 8 kilometers from Sector 17, and carries the station code CDG under Northern Railway. Therefore, travelers arriving by train typically need a cab, auto, or local bus to reach the central sectors rather than walking.
You can check the drive time from the station to your destination sector using our Chandigarh distance calculator.
Platforms and Train Connectivity
The station operates 6 platforms and handles approximately 68 trains, connecting Chandigarh to major cities including Delhi, Amritsar, and destinations reached via the Kalka-Howrah Mail. Additionally, the Chandigarh-Sahnewal line, linking the city toward Ludhiana, was inaugurated in 2013, adding another regional connection.
A Brief History
The rail line through this region dates back much further than the city itself. The Delhi-Panipat-Ambala-Kalka line opened in 1891, decades before Chandigarh existed as a planned city. The Ambala-Chandigarh section was electrified in 1998-99, followed by the Chandigarh-Kalka stretch in 1999-2000.
As a result, Chandigarh’s railway infrastructure grew up around an older regional rail network rather than being built from scratch alongside the city’s 1950s master plan.
Ongoing Redevelopment
In January 2023, the Rail Land Development Authority began a major redevelopment of Chandigarh Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, designated a Lighthouse Project with a budget of roughly ₹462 crore. The project aims to convert the station into a modern multimodal transit hub.
As of early 2026, the redevelopment had reached approximately 90% completion, with full operational functionality expected around April 2026. Therefore, travelers visiting during this period may still encounter construction activity around parts of the station.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Station code | CDG |
| Location | Daria, ~8 km from Sector 17 |
| Platforms | 6 |
| Approx. trains served | 68 |
| Railway zone | Northern Railway |
| Redevelopment status (early 2026) | ~90% complete, Amrit Bharat Station Scheme |
Getting From the Station Into the City
Prepaid taxis, autos, and local Chandigarh Transport Undertaking buses all operate from outside the station, connecting to Sector 17 and other central areas within 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. For a broader look at getting around the city, see our complete Chandigarh guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the station code for Chandigarh Railway Station?
Chandigarh Junction uses the station code CDG under Northern Railway.
How far is Chandigarh Railway Station from Sector 17?
The station sits in Daria, about 8 kilometers from Sector 17, the city’s central business district.
How many platforms does Chandigarh Railway Station have?
The station operates 6 platforms and handles roughly 68 trains.
Is Chandigarh Railway Station under renovation?
Yes. A redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme began in January 2023 and had reached about 90% completion by early 2026, with full completion expected around April 2026.
Final Thoughts
Chandigarh Station’s ongoing redevelopment should make it a considerably more modern transit hub once complete, matching the scale of rail traffic the city now sees. Until then, travelers should build in a little extra time for construction-related detours around the station approach.