PM inaugurates seven redeveloped railway stations in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), including seven in Odisha, marking a major push to modernise railway infrastructure and improve passenger amenities.

The seven stations in Odisha — Balangir, Barpali, Paralakhemundi, Talcher, Kesinga, Baripada and Bimalgarh — have been redeveloped at a cumulative cost of about ₹109 crore and were dedicated to the nation following extensive modernisation.

Advertisement

The redevelopment is part of the Centre’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to transform railway stations into modern, passenger-friendly transport hubs while preserving the cultural identity and architectural character of their regions.

The upgraded stations feature modern station buildings, improved circulating areas, spacious waiting halls, upgraded toilets, enhanced platform shelters, digital passenger information systems, improved lighting, standardised signage and better multimodal connectivity. Depending on operational requirements, several stations have also been equipped with 12-metre-wide foot overbridges with lift provisions to ensure barrier-free access for passengers.

The station buildings have been designed to incorporate local art, culture and architectural motifs, reflecting the heritage of their respective regions.

Officials said the redevelopment is expected to improve passenger convenience, strengthen regional connectivity and provide a boost to tourism, trade and local economic activity. The initiative forms part of Indian Railways’ broader effort to create world-class railway infrastructure in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.