Finance
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated 75 renovated railway stations throughout the country under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), marking a significant step in transforming railway infrastructure and improving passenger convenience.
Seven renovated railway stations in Odisha, namely Balangir, Barpali, Paralakhemundi, Talcher, Kesinga, Baripada, and Bimalgarh, have been dedicated to the nation after full refurbishment.
Redeveloped at a cost of over ₹109 crore, these stations exemplify the Government of India’s objective of building contemporary, passenger-centric railway stations while retaining regional cultural identity and architectural legacy.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme envisions a comprehensive redevelopment of railway stations to improve passenger amenities such as modern station buildings, better circulating areas, upgraded waiting halls, modern toilets, enhanced platform shelters, digital passenger information systems, improved lighting, standardized signage, and multimodal integration.
To enable barrier-free accessibility, facilities such as 12 metre wide Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) with lift provisions have been installed at appropriate stations based on operational requirements and station-specific demands. The station buildings also contain local art, culture, and architectural elements that reflect the distinct legacy of their various locations.
The redeveloped stations are expected to significantly improve passenger convenience, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote tourism, trade, and local economic development, reaffirming Indian Railways’ commitment to developing world-class railway infrastructure in accordance with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
