Bhubaneswar: The redevelopment of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri railway stations has entered its final phase, railway officials said on Monday. While work on Bhubaneswar and Cuttack stations will be completed by the end of this year, Puri station will be made fully functional next year.
The estimated cost of the three station redevelopment projects is around Rs 905.5 crore. These stations will redefine passenger experience through modern architecture, sustainable design and superior amenities, an official said.
All three stations are being developed as barrier-free environments for persons with disabilities (PwD), including standard ramps, earmarked parking, non-slippery walkways and specialised toilet facilities.
Bhubaneswar Station
Bhubaneswar station project is the largest among similar redevelopment work under East Coast Railway (ECoR). An official source said 86% of Bhubaneswar station redevelopment work has been completed as of May and is on track towards completion.
The main attraction of the project is the wide air concourse connecting both the newly built station buildings. The air concourse is equipped with seating spaces, lounges and convenience stalls. It was opened for public recently.
The station, with energy-efficient green building design, will also offer a food court, dormitories, VIP lounge, electrical car charging points, booking counters, a tourist information centre, a cloakroom and specialised toilets with an infant care room.
Cuttack Station
Cuttack railway station is undergoing a major upgrade with completion of 81% work. The structural framework for the west side terminal has been completed and finishing work is currently in progress. Like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack will feature a wide air concourse, lifts and escalators.
The station will have a new ECS (equivalent car space) parking area, a Jan Aahaar Kendra and dedicated tourist information centre. “Work is on at full speed, and we will complete it by the end of the year,” an official said.
Puri Station
The Puri railway station redevelopment is designed to handle the massive influx of pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy city. The project, which has reached 78% physical progress, includes renovation of all eight platforms.
The station will have retiring rooms, multi-bed dormitory, and TTE rest room, baby feeding room, paid lounge, baggage scanners and centralised CCTV monitoring. The atrium and entrance to the concourse will feature traditional architectural designs, including iconic bells inspired by the region's spiritual heritage.
Recently, governor Haribabu Kambhampati had visited Puri station and reviewed the station redevelopment work. He instructed officials to complete the work before Rath Yatra 2027.
