Paralakhemundi station gets modern makeover under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Bhubaneswar: Paralakhemundi Railway Station in Odisha’s Gajapati district has been redeveloped into a modern, accessible and heritage-inspired transport hub under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), with Indian Railways blending upgraded passenger amenities with the town’s royal legacy.

Completed at a cost of around ₹17 crore, the redevelopment project is among the stations that will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17. The upgraded station aims to improve passenger convenience while preserving the cultural identity of Paralakhemundi through architecture inspired by the town’s historic Royal Palace and artistic murals depicting local traditions.

The station now features a newly constructed 1,375-square-metre building, a 12-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge with a 30-metre span, upgraded platforms, spacious waiting halls, improved seating facilities, luggage racks, a catering unit and a One Station One Product (OSOP) outlet. Passenger information systems, including digital train display boards, coach position indicators and a public announcement system, have also been installed.

To improve accessibility, the station has been made fully Divyangjan-friendly with lifts on both platforms, tactile pathways, ramps, Braille maps, accessible toilets, dedicated parking spaces and low-height ticket counters. Security has also been strengthened with CCTV surveillance and modern firefighting systems, while RO drinking water facilities and Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) have been provided for passengers.

The redevelopment also incorporates sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting, solar power utilisation and landscaped green spaces, reflecting Indian Railways’ focus on environmentally responsible infrastructure.

Officials said the upgraded station is expected to enhance passenger experience, improve operational efficiency and strengthen connectivity in the region while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of southern Odisha.

Paralakhemundi is among the 59 railway stations in Odisha being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme as part of Indian Railways’ initiative to create modern, inclusive and future-ready railway stations across the country.