Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, the Central Government has allocated a budget of Rs 197 crore for the redevelopment of the Balasore railway station in Odisha. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to Twitter on Friday to announce the sanctioning of funds for this transformative project.
According to Minister Vaishnaw, the revamped Balasore railway station will be designed in accordance with traditional Balasore architecture, incorporating elements such as arches, ornate facades, and locally sourced materials that resonate with the town’s cultural heritage.
The station’s facade is set to showcase wheels reminiscent of the Konark Temple, while the top portion will be crafted in the design of the ‘Shikhar’ of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Additionally, paintings representing the Saura tribals will adorn the facade, adding a touch of local artistry to the station’s aesthetics. The entire redevelopment project is slated to be completed within a timeframe of 30 months.
Key features of the redevelopment plan for the Balasore railway station include:
Capacity to handle 50,000 passengers daily
Station buildings on both sides of the city connected with an 18-meter-wide roof plaza
Enhanced circulating area with the provision of a cover shed
Improved waiting hall and the construction of an AC lounge
Installation of 14 lifts, 6 escalators, and 20 access control gates
Three Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) connecting all platforms, all covered platforms
Parking space exceeding 7,000 square meters
Implementation of a 133 KW Solar Panel system and a 1000 KLD water recycling plant
Upgradation of the goods shed
This ambitious redevelopment initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure while preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region. The Balasore railway station is poised to undergo a holistic transformation, catering to the needs of passengers with state-of-the-art facilities and a blend of traditional architectural elements.