125 Years of Paralakhemundi Light Railway: Celebrating a Legacy of Heritage and Progress

Bhubaneswar: The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway marked a historic milestone today, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Paralakhemundi Light Railway with a grand function at the Paralakhemundi Railway Station. The event honored the railway’s rich legacy and its contribution to the region’s development, bringing together senior railway officials, students, local residents, and media representatives.

As part of the celebrations, school children participated in various competitions, including Essay Writing, Drawing & Painting, and Elocution on the theme “Virasat Se Vikas Tak” (From Heritage to Development). The initiative aimed to highlight the railway’s journey from its historic origins to modern advancements.

A Legacy of Innovation and Development

The Paralakhemundi Light Railway was first envisioned by Maharaja Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo II, the Raja of Parlakimedi, who proposed connecting Paralakhemundi with Naupada, just 40 km away. With government approval in 1898, construction commenced, and the Parlakimedi Light Railway (PLR) was inaugurated on April 1, 1900 as Odisha’s first private railway company.

The railway line was later extended to Gunupur in 1931, expanding its reach to 51 km. In 1934, Bengal Nagpur Railway took over its management. Today, the Naupada-Gunupur rail corridor includes ten stations—Naupada, Tekkali, Paddasana, Temburu, Ganguvada, Pathapatnam, Paralakhemundi, Kashinagar, Lihuri, Bansadhara, and Palasingi—continuing to serve as a vital transport link.

Over the years, public demand for broad gauge conversion grew, leading to multiple surveys in 1950, 1964, and 1967. The foundation stone for gauge conversion was finally laid on September 27, 2002, and services resumed between Paralakhemundi and Naupada on December 18, 2010. The entire Gunupur-Paralakhemundi-Naupada corridor was officially reopened to the public on August 21, 2011.

A Modern Transformation Under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Paralakhemundi Railway Station is now being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to enhance passenger experience and modernize infrastructure. Key upgrades include:

• Improved Accessibility: Wider Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), lifts, and escalators.

• Enhanced Passenger Amenities: Executive lounges, waiting areas, premium toilets, and food plazas.

• Digital & Local Initiatives: Free Wi-Fi, improved passenger information systems, and kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme to promote local goods.

• Facilities for Divyangjans (specially-abled passengers): Dedicated spaces and improved infrastructure.

Commemorating the Historic Occasion

To honor this milestone, Waltair Division launched an extensive publicity campaign with banners, brochures, and special station illuminations. Audio jingles highlighting the railway’s legacy were played, and schoolchildren participated in events celebrating the railway’s journey from past to present.