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A highly anticipated project in Odisha is the redevelopment of the Bhubaneswar railway station which serves lakhs of passengers every month and is one of the thirty busiest railway stations in India. In a bid to enhance passenger amenities and boost the station’s outlook, infrastructure and capacity, the Indian Railways began its redevelopment project under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The extensive project promises to transform Bhubaneswar's railway station into a state-of-the-art transportation hub and has come a long way since its stone-laying ceremony. Here are all the major takeaways one should know about the ongoing work, summarised into eight key points:
Key Points of Bhubaneswar Railway Station Redevelopment Project:
1. Project Overview:
The Bhubaneswar railway station redevelopment project began in December 2022 and aims to modernize the station by the end of 2025, with full operational capacity expected by 2026. The project is being overseen by the East Coast Railway (ECoR) at an estimated cost of Rs 308 to Rs 419 crore.
2. Elevated Driveway and Air-Concourse:
One of the standout features is the elevated driveway, which will have entry points from both sides of the station. This design ensures smooth and efficient passenger flow, reducing congestion and facilitating easy access. An air-concourse will connect all platforms, allowing passengers to move seamlessly between them without navigating ground-level obstacles.
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3. Modern Amenities:
The new station will be equipped with a range of modern amenities to cater to passengers' needs. These include lifts and escalators, premium waiting lounges, a baggage security check-in area for enhanced safety, and an information centre for real-time updates. Comfortable waiting rooms and food plazas will provide a pleasant environment for those waiting for their trains.
4. Architectural Design:
The architectural design of the station will blend contemporary elements and traditional Kalingan style, reflecting Bhubaneswar's rich cultural heritage. The station area will cover approximately 1.74 lakh square feet, providing ample space for all modern passenger amenities, aiming to create a visually stunning and functional transportation hub.
5. Multi-Modal Hub:
The redevelopment project will integrate with plans for a multi-modal transport hub, linking the railway station with city bus terminals and multi-level car parking facilities. Dedicated pick-up and drop-off lanes for taxis, auto-rickshaws, and other vehicles will ensure efficient traffic management. Further, the development will feature commercial spaces, a city square, and a centrally located high-rise tower for mixed-use development.
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6. Collaboration and Planning:
The new station will be a green building and 100% disabled-friendly. Approach roads will be seamlessly integrated into the structure so that all vehicles, including taxis and autos, can aid passengers in boarding trains easily. The project involves collaboration between Indian Railways, the Odisha government, and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), which is responsible for planning, designing, and executing the project.
7. Integration with Urban Development:
The redevelopment aligns with Bhubaneswar's vision of becoming a smart and sustainable city. It promotes non-motorized transport with pedestrian-friendly areas and cycling tracks. The transit-oriented development aims to create a seamless transportation experience for commuters while contributing to the city's overall urban transformation.
8. Future Prospects:
The redevelopment of Bhubaneswar railway station is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for passengers and boost the city's economic growth. It will serve as a model for railway modernization projects across India, showcasing the potential for transforming urban infrastructure. The completion of the project will not only improve railway services but also elevate Bhubaneswar's status as a major transportation hub in eastern India.
Recently, the Odisha government approved the construction of an elevated driveway for the Bhubaneswar railway station. Additionally, it also laid out plans for infrastructure development worth Rs 7,000 crore in the city. Finally, a ‘Tricity’ (Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Puri) plan is also on the anvil.
ALSO READ: Ambitious ‘Tri-City’ plan on anvil to transform Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri!
All of these projects along with the Bhubaneswar railway station redevelopment project promise a world-class travel experience with modern amenities, efficient design, and integrated transportation solutions in a smart and fast-growing city.
