Paralakhemundi Railway Station in Odisha’s Gajapati district has been redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) at a cost of Rs 17 crore and is among the 59 stations in the State to be upgraded under the programme.
The revamped station is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
The redevelopment, which has achieved 100% physical and financial completion, blends the station’s heritage with modern passenger amenities. The new station building, spread over 1,375 sq. metres, draws architectural inspiration from the historic Paralakhemundi Royal Palace and features murals and charcoal artwork showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.
Passenger facilities have been significantly upgraded with a new 12-metre-wide foot overbridge, improved platforms and expanded shelters. The station now has a spacious waiting hall, seating facilities, a catering unit and a One Station One Product (OSOP) outlet to promote local products.
To improve passenger convenience, Indian Railways has installed a public announcement system, coach position display system, train indication boards, CCTV surveillance, firefighting equipment, RO drinking water facilities and automatic ticket vending machines.
The station has also been made Divyangjan-friendly with lifts connecting both platforms, tactile pathways, ramps, Braille maps, accessible toilets, low-height ticket counters and designated parking spaces.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, the redeveloped station incorporates rainwater harvesting, solar power and landscaped green spaces.
Paralakhemundi is one of 59 railway stations in Odisha being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to upgrade railway infrastructure with improved passenger amenities while preserving the architectural and cultural identity of individual stations.