Indian Railways has embarked on a transformative journey under the Amrit Station Scheme, focusing on the redevelopment of key railway stations in Western Odisha.
This ambitious project aims to modernise infrastructure, enhance passenger amenities, and boost regional economic growth.
The selected railway stations—including Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir, Titlagarh, and Bhawanipatna—are set to undergo significant upgrades. These improvements will incorporate modern ticketing systems, upgraded platforms, advanced security features, and eco-friendly designs, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers.
A major highlight of the redevelopment is sustainability, with Indian Railways integrating renewable energy solutions, water conservation measures, and smart waste management across all renovated stations. Additionally, improved circulating areas, better parking facilities, and dedicated pick-up and drop-off lanes will enhance station accessibility for all travellers.
Beyond enhancing passenger comfort, the initiative is expected to stimulate regional tourism, create employment opportunities, and facilitate trade and investment across Western Odisha. By aligning with India’s broader railway modernisation efforts, this project underscores the government’s commitment to building world-class transport infrastructure.
With the redevelopment progressing in phases, Indian Railways aims to ensure timely completion while maintaining minimal disruption to daily operations. The coming years will witness Western Odisha’s railway hubs transformed into state-of-the-art stations, catering to the evolving needs of passengers and businesses alike.
Here’s an update on the progress of these stations:
Jharsuguda Road (₹18.77 cr.): Redevelopment of Jharsuguda Road Station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users. Development of Staff facility block, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building. Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge. Improvement to the Platform surface. Provision of 02 nos. of passenger lifts. Provision of additional 06 bays Platform Shelter at PF no. 1, 2 &3. Provision of Coach Indication Board & Train Indication Board. Digital Signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities and modernised Toilets.
Brajarajnagar: Development of circulating area, Gardening & Landscaping, Drains, Laminated glass roofing, Terracotta wall tile cladding, Facade, Sand stone rebellion statue, Sand stone Konark Chakra, Odishi statue, False ceiling, Entrance Porch, Parking for 2 & 4 Wheeler, Development of Road, Wallpaper decoration, Reserved lounge wall paneling, etc.
Belpahar: Belpahar Railway Station is a railway station on the South East Central Railway network in the state of Odisha, India. It serves the Belpahar town. Belpahar is a town and a municipality in Jharsuguda district in the state of Odisha, India. Belpahar also has some nearby tourist attractions such as Koili Ghoghar (35 kilometres from Belpahar), Lal Pathar (8 km from Belpahar), and Khadu (5 kilometres from Belpahar). Belpahar’s Population is 52,000 (estimated 2023). Works undertaken in redevelopment are Entry/Exit Gate, Garden & Landscaping, Digital Signage, Modern Toilets, CCTV, Facade, Murals/Paintings, False Ceiling and Wall Panelling in Concourse and 2nd Class Waiting Hall, Platform Surfacing, Face Uplifting Lighting, Coach & Train Indication Boards, Entrance Porch, Parking for 2/4 Wheelers, Road work, Road lighting and High Mast Lights along with digital Signages.
Sambalpur City (₹23.76 cr.): Redevelopment of Sambalpur City Station with modern amenities includes improvement to the Front Façade of the existing building, provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge, improvement to Platform surface, provision of 02 nos. of passenger lifts, provision of additional 10 bays Platform Shelter at PF no. 1, 2 & 3 along with digital Signages, provision of Divyangjan facilities and improvement to modernised Toilets.
Khariar Road (₹16.25 Cr): Provision of New Station Building with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Development of 2nd Entry side, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of lifts, Improvement to platform surface with additional PF Shelters, Standard signage, Coach Indication Boards, GPS-enabled digital clocks, Provision of Divyangjan facilities and improvement to modernized Toilets.
Hirakud (₹22.87 Cr): Redevelopment of Hirakud Station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users. Improvement to the Front Façade of the existing building. Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge. Improvement to the Platform surface. Provision of 02 nos. of passenger lifts. Provision of additional 12 bays Platform Shelter at PF no. 1, 2 &3. Provision of Coach Indication Boards. Standard Signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities and improvement to modernised Toilets.
Kesinga (₹20.85 Cr): Development of 2nd Entry, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Improvement to Platform surface, Provision of lifts, Provision of additional 38 bays Platform Shelters, digital Signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Improvement to Toilets and modern amenities have been planned.
Bargarh Road (₹23.84 cr.): Redevelopment of the station with modern passenger amenities. Improvement to the Front Façade of the existing building. Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge. Provision of 2 nos. of passenger lifts. Improvement to the platform surface. Provision of an additional 15 bays Platform Shelter at Platform no.1 and 2&3 and digital signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities along with modern Toilets.
Barpali (₹20.88 Cr): TOTAL COST: Redevelopment of station with modern passenger amenities. Improvement to the Front Façade of the existing building. Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge. Provision of Coach Indication Board. Improvement to Platform Shelters. Provision of an additional 12-bay Platform Shelter at PF 1, 2&3. Standard signage, Provision of Coach Indication Boards, Provision of Divyangjan facilities along with modern Toilets.
Bolangir (₹18.01 Cr): A New Station Building with modern Passenger Amenities, Improvement to Front Façade of Existing Building, Additional Platform Shelters, Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge, Improvement to platform surface, Waiting Rooms, Lifts, Circulating Areas, Parking Areas, Standard Signages, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Improvement to Toilets and Provision of Sewage Treatment Plant with Overhead Tank and pipeline.
Titlagarh (₹35.79 Cr): Redevelopment of Station with provision of 2nd Entry, Improvement to Front Façade of Existing Station Building, Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Improvement to Platform surface, Provision of additional 20 Bays Platform Shelter, Provision of three Lifts, Waiting Halls, Standard Signages, Sewage Treatment Plant with Over Head Tank and pipeline connection, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Circulating area, parking area, Improvement to Toilets.
Kantabanji (₹33.87 Cr): Development of Second entry point, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Provision of lifts, Improvement to Platform surface, Raising of platforms, additional 22-bay platform shelters, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Improvement to Toilets and Sewage Treatment Plant with Overhead Tank and pipeline connection.
Harishankar Road (₹16.66 Cr): Redevelopment of the station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users., Development of 2nd Entry, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of extension of 03 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge, Upgrades include 3 lifts, Improvement to Platform surface & additional 20 bays Platform Shelter, Standard Signage, Coach Indication Boards, Provision of Divyangjan facilities and Improvement to Toilets.
Bhawanipatna (₹18.83 Cr): Redevelopment of station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of Lift, Improvement to Platform surface with PF Shelter, Standard Signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Raising of platforms, and modernised toilets are key elements.
Bimalagarh (₹9.69 Cr.): Redevelopment of station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users with soft upgradation and facilities for Divyangjan, Improvement to High level Platform surface with PF Shelter, connecting road, Station Building and façade, etc.
Rajgangpur (₹37.65 Cr.): Redevelopment of the station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users., Improvement to the Front Facade of the existing building, Provision of extension of 12 mtr. Wide Foot Over Bridge, Upgrades include 3 lifts & 3 Escalators, Improvement to Platform surface & additional bays Platform Shelter, Provision of Divyangjan facilities and Improvement to Toilets.
Panposh (₹14.22 Cr.): Redevelopment of the station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users., Improvement to Front Facade of existing building, Upgrades include 2 lifts, Improvement to Platform surface & additional bays Platform Shelter, Provision of Divyangjan facilities and Improvement to Toilets.
Sanction of estimates, hiring consultants and plan under revision are in progress for Jharsuguda, Himgiri, Rourkela and Sambalpur Railway Stations. Redevelopment of the above Stations will be done with modern Passenger Amenities for the passengers and Rail Users. Apart from this, Provision of 2nd Entry, Improvement to Front Facade of Existing Station Buildings, Provision of 12 mtr. wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Improvement to Platform surface, Provision of additional Bays Platform Shelter, Provision of Lifts/Escalators, Waiting Halls, Standard Signages, Sewage Treatment Plant with Over Head Tank and pipe line connection, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Circulating area, parking area Improvement to Toilets will also included in Station redevelopment plan.
The redevelopment of railway stations under the Amrit Stations Scheme in Odisha is a significant step towards modernising the region’s railway infrastructure. With a focus on enhancing passenger amenities, improving accessibility, and incorporating sustainable design, these upgrades will not only elevate the travel experience but also contribute to the economic growth of the region. The integration of modern facilities like lifts, escalators, advanced security systems, and eco-friendly initiatives will make stations more efficient and user-friendly. As these projects progress, the revamped stations will play a pivotal role in connecting Odisha’s rich cultural and natural heritage to a broader audience, while also boosting tourism and regional development. The future of railway travel in Odisha looks promising, with enhanced infrastructure and services to support both passengers and the local economy.
