New Delhi: The Indian Railways is currently implementing the modernization of 57 railway stations in Odisha as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

This scheme aims to improve the amenities and facilities for passengers at selected railway stations under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone.

In a recent release on August 1, the East Coast Railway shared the list of railway stations that have been chosen for upgradation and modernization.

The objective is not only to address congestion issues but also to create open spaces and enhance the overall appearance of the station areas, making them more attractive and user-friendly.

The railway stations included Angul, Badampahar, Balangir, Balasore, Balugaon, Barbil, Bargarh Road, Baripada, Barpali, Belpahar, Betnoti, Bhadrak, Bhawanipatna, Bhubaneswar, Bimlagarh, Brahmapur, Brajrajnagar, Chatrapur, Cuttack, Damanjodi, Dhenkanal, Gunupur, Harishanker Road, Hirakud, Jajpur-Keonjhar road, Jaleswar, Jaroli, Jeypore, Jharsuguda, Jharsuguda Road, Kantabanji, Kendujhargarh, Kesinga, Khariar Road, Khurda road, Koraput, Lingaraj Temple Road, Mancheswar, Meramandali, Muniguda, New Bhubaneswar, Panposh, Paradeep, Parlakhemundi, Puri, Raghunathpur, Rairakhol, Rairangpur, Rajgangpur, Rayagada, Rourkela, Sakhi Gopal, Sambalpur, Sambalpur city, Talcher, Talcher Road, and Titlagarh Jn.

As part of the first phase of the Amrit Bharat station scheme, the redevelopment work for some major railway stations in Odisha has already commenced.

A total of 25 railway stations in Odisha have been chosen for redevelopment under this scheme, and the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone will oversee the implementation.

The redevelopment of these 25 railway stations will involve an investment of Rs 547.7 crores, aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and facilities available to passengers.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve the overall travel experience for railway users in the region.

These Stations are Sakhigopal, Mancheswar, Dhenkanal, Chhatrapur, Angul, Palasa, Meramandali, Balugaon, Lingaraj Temple Road, Talcher Road, Khurda Road, Kantabanji, Bargarh Road, Hirakud, Rairakhol, Barpali, Muniguda, Balangir, Harisankar Road, Mahasamund, Bhawanipatna, Khariar Road, Vizianagaram, Duvvada and Damanjodi Stations.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been initiated by Indian Railways to upgrade and modernize railway stations across the country.

Presently, the scheme envisages taking up 1309 Stations for upgradation/modernisation.

The scheme aims to improve station infrastructure, enhance connectivity with urban areas, promote multimodal transport options, and ensure accessibility for specially-abled individuals.

The focus of the scheme is on sustainability and eco-friendliness, with the implementation of ballastless tracks where required.

Each station's development plan is tailored to its specific needs, considering feasibility and phasing, and also includes the creation of city centers around the stations in the long term.

Key aspects of the scheme include enhancing station amenities such as access points, waiting areas, toilets, and provision of facilities like lifts and escalators as needed.

It also emphasizes cleanliness, offers free Wi-Fi, promotes local products through schemes like One Station One Product, provides better passenger information systems, Executive Lounges, designated spaces for business meetings, and incorporates landscaping to enhance the overall ambiance.