Argus News - Breaking News: Puri Railway Station Gets World-Class Upgrade Ahead of Rath Yatra

Puri, Mar 17: Keeping the massive influx of devotees and tourists during upcoming Rath Yatra, the East Coast Railway has initiated significant infrastructure development at Puri Railway Station to enhance passenger convenience and operational efficiency.

The modernization project, part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, is aimed at transforming Puri into an international-standard railway hub.

The two-month-long work, scheduled from March 15 to May 15, includes construction of ballastless tracks in the station yard and developmental upgrades to platforms 7 and 8. Ballastless tracks, which replace traditional stone ballast with concrete, are being laid to facilitate faster train movement and ensure long-term safety and reliability.

Also read: UPI Goes Global as Indian Tourists Can Pay Seamlessly in Sri Lanka

To accommodate the construction, train operations have been temporarily adjusted. Three pairs of trains, including the Shalimar-Puri TOD Special, Puri-Bhanjpur TOD Special, and Khurda Road-Puri passenger services, have been cancelled.

In addition, 15 pairs of express trains will be short-terminated or short-originated at Malatipatpur station. Around 40 pairs of trains will continue to operate from Puri. To minimize inconvenience, free bus services have been arranged between Puri and Malatipatpur, ensuring smooth transit for passengers.

Authorities have also strengthened security measures. GRP and RPF personnel have been deployed at Puri, Malatipatpur, Sakhigopal, and other key stations.

Help desks have been set up to guide passengers, provide real-time information, and assist with bus transfers. District administration has ensured adequate bus facilities at Puri, Malatipatpur, and Satyabadi, while security reviews are being conducted ahead of Rath Yatra to determine force deployment.

The modernization project, with an investment of ₹161.5 crore, is expected to be completed by 2026. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has personally reviewed the progress. The upgraded station will feature three floors, eight platforms, four lifts, escalators, an executive lounge, and a food court, offering world-class amenities to passengers.

Officials from the Khurda Road division emphasized that while temporary disruptions are unavoidable, the long-term benefits include enhanced safety, reliability, and capacity. Passengers have expressed satisfaction with the alternative arrangements, particularly the free bus services, which have eased travel during the construction phase.