In a significant push towards regional development and infrastructure modernization, the Indian Railways has launched a comprehensive redevelopment initiative under the Amrit Station Scheme for key railway stations across the KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) districts of Odisha.
This ambitious project aims to revolutionize rail infrastructure in the region by equipping stations with modern passenger amenities, sustainable design, and enhanced accessibility.
The Amrit Station Scheme is part of a Indian Railways initiatives to upgrade major and mid-level railway stations, aligning them with international standards of infrastructure and services. In the KBK region, stations including Balangir, Titlagarh, Kantabanji, Kesinga, Bhawanipatna, Rayagada, Muniguda, Gunupur, Koraput, Jeypore, Damanjodi, Harishankar Road, and Khariar Road have been selected for redevelopment.
Key Features of the Redevelopment:
• Modernized Infrastructure: Redesigned station buildings with better waiting lounges, upgraded ticketing systems, and improved platform surfaces.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Installation of foot overbridges (FOBs) and to ease movement for senior citizens, Divyangjan passengers, and families with children.
• Eco-Friendly Development: Use of green building techniques, solar energy solutions, water conservation systems, and waste management practices.
• Passenger-Centric Amenities: High-speed Wi-Fi, digital information boards, clean and modern toilets, state-of-the-art security systems, and improved catering facilities.
• Urban Integration: Redesigned station circulating areas with drop-off/pick-up lanes, adequate parking, and better approach roads.
• Boost to Local Economy: The upgrades aim to stimulate local growth by increasing tourism, improving regional mobility, and generating employment.
Station-wise Highlights:
• Balangir (Rs. 18.01 Cr): A New Station Building with modern Passenger Amenities, Improvement to Front Façade of Existing Building, Additional Platform Shelters, Provision of 12 mtr. wide Foot Over Bridge , Improvement to platform surface , Waiting Rooms, Lifts, Circulating Areas, Parking Areas, Standard Signages, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Improvement to Toilets and Provision of Sewage Treatment Plant with Overhead Tank and pipe line.
• Titlagarh (Rs. 35.79 Cr): Redevelopment of Station with modern Passenger Amenities for the passengers and Rail Users. Provision of 2nd Entry, Improvement to Front Façade of Existing Station Building, Provision of 12 mtr. wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Improvement to Platform surface, Provision of additional 20 Bays Platform Shelter, Provision of three Lifts, Waiting Halls, Standard Signages, Sewage Treatment Plant with Over Head Tank and pipe line connection , Provision of Divyangjan facilities , Circulating area, parking area Improvement to Toilets.
• Kantabanji (Rs. 33.87 Cr): Redevelopment of station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Development of Second entry point, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building , Provision of 12 mtr. wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Provision of lifts, Improvement to Platform surface, Raising of platforms, additional 22-bay platform shelters, Provision of Divyangjan, facilities, Improvement to Toilets and Sewage Treatment Plant with Over Head Tank and pipe line connection.
• Harishankar Road (Rs. 16.66 Cr): Redevelopment of station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users., Development of 2nd Entry, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of extension of 03 mtr. wide Foot Over Bridge, Upgrades include 3 lifts, Improvement to Platform surface & additional 20 bays Platform Shelter, Standard Signage, Coach Indication Boards, Provision of Divyangjan facilities and Improvement to Toilets.
• Kesinga (Rs. 20.85 Cr): Redevelopment of station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Development of 2nd Entry, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of 12 mtr. wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Improvement to Platform surface, Provision of lifts, Provision of additional 38 bays Platform Shelters, Standard Signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Improvement to Toilets and modern amenities have been planned.
• Bhawanipatna (Rs. 18.83 Cr): Redevelopment of station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of Lift, Improvement to Platform surface with PF Shelter, Standard Signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Raising of platforms and modernized toilets are key elements.
• Muniguda (Rs. 20.16 Cr): Redevelopment of station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Wide New Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Improvement to Platform surface with PF Shelter, Provision of Coach Indication Boards, Raising of platform, Standard Signage, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Improvement to Toilets, Provision of lifts and comprehensive passenger facilities along with Sewage Treatment Plant with Over Head Tank and pipe line connection.
• Koraput (Rs. 21.20 Cr): Redevelopment of the station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Improvement to the Front Façade of the existing building, Provision of passenger lifts, Provision of 12 meter wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Improvement to the Platform surface areas, Raising of Platforms, enhanced platform shelters and upgraded station layout.
• Jeypore (Rs. 17.94 Cr): Redevelopment of the station with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Improvement to the Front Façade of the existing building, Provision of platform surfacing, Provision of lifts, digital announcements in Passenger Announcement System, and ‘One Station One Product’ stall among new additions.
• Damanjodi (Rs. 14.46 Cr): Redevelopment of the station with modern passenger amenities, Improvement to the Front Façade of the existing building, Provision of 12 meters wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB), Provision of lifts, platform surface upgrades with PF Shelters.
• Khariar Road (Rs. 16.25 Cr): Provision of New Station Building with modern amenities for passengers and rail users, Development of 2nd Entry side, Improvement to Front Façade of existing building, Provision of lifts, Improvement to platform surface with additional PF Shelters, Standard signage, Coach Indication Boards, GPS-enabled digital clocks, Provision of Divyangjan facilities, Improvement to Toilets and accessibility features.
• Rayagada (Rs. 41.40 Cr): Provision of Additional Rooms in Existing Station Building (G+1) including Lift and Canopy, Second Entry Station Building (Only Ground Floor) including Lift and Canopy, 6 mtr wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB) of length 142 mtr Connecting both side station buildings and Platforms including Lifts, Platform Shelters and Cover over Pathways, Site Development Works, Roads and Pathways, E&M Works, Signages etc.
• Gunupur: Gunupur Railway Station has been selected for redevelopment under the Amrit Station Scheme, aimed at modernizing key railway stations across the country, especially in KBK region of Odisha. While the estimated costs and detailed scope of work are still being finalized, Gunupur is officially part of the broader transformation plan. The redevelopment work at the station will be undertaken in due course, ensuring improved infrastructure and enhanced passenger amenities in the near future.
This redevelopment is poised to make a transformative impact on the KBK region, which holds vast untapped potential in tourism, culture, and trade. With seamless connectivity, enhanced commuter experiences, and world-class amenities, these stations will serve as catalysts for inclusive development.
The project will be implemented in phases, with timely execution being a top priority. Indian Railways is committed to delivering a future-ready, green, and inclusive transportation ecosystem for the people of Odisha.
