Bhubaneswar, Jul 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated seven redeveloped railway stations in Odisha under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), part of a nationwide launch of 75 modernised stations aimed at transforming railway infrastructure and enhancing passenger convenience.

The redeveloped stations in Odisha include Balangir, Barpali, Paralakhemundi, Talcher, Kesinga, Baripada and Bimalgarh. Officials of East Coast Railway (ECoR) said the projects, executed at a cumulative cost of around Rs109 crore, reflect the Centre’s vision of creating modern, passenger-centric railway hubs while preserving the cultural identity and architectural heritage of each region.

The ABSS envisages holistic redevelopment of stations with improved amenities such as modern station buildings, upgraded waiting halls, enhanced platform shelters, digital passenger information systems, better lighting, standardised signage and multimodal integration. Several stations have also been equipped with 12-metre-wide foot overbridges with lifts to ensure barrier-free accessibility. The designs incorporate local art and architectural elements, showcasing Odisha’s cultural heritage.

“The redeveloped stations are expected to significantly enhance passenger convenience, strengthen regional connectivity and promote tourism, trade and local economic development, reaffirming Indian Railways’ commitment to world-class infrastructure in line with the vision of a Viksit Bharat,” ECoR stated.

Also Read: Modi Govt Greenlights Two Railway Projects Worth ₹3,907 Cr for Odisha, Jharkhand

In a parallel boost to Odisha’s rail infrastructure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved two major projects earlier this week — doubling of the Paradip-Haridaspur rail line and construction of a fourth line between Rajkharsawan and Dangoaposi. The projects, estimated at Rs3,907 crore, will expand the railway network by about 145 km across four districts in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Officials said the multi-tracking initiative will improve connectivity to nearly 1,526 villages with a population of about 14 lakh, while also facilitating access to prominent tourist destinations such as the Lalitgiri Buddhist Complex, Shree Baladevjew Temple and Meghahatuburu Hills.