First phase of Bhubaneswar railway station redevelopment nears completion, inauguration in October 2025

The first phase of the redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station is scheduled for completion in October 2025, with significant progress reported on both the eastern and western sides of the station. According to the Ministry of Railways, the first phase is on track to meet this deadline.

Construction Progress

On the eastern side, which faces Cuttack Road, a structure designed to rise to three storeys has been fully constructed. Meanwhile, on the western side near the Master Canteen area, construction has reached the fourth floor of what is planned as an eleven-storey building. Interior works are currently progressing at pace.

Budget and Features

The entire project is expected to cost Rs 398 crore. The station will boast facilities comparable to those found in international airports, including a crucial 108-metre-long air concourse above platform level. This concourse will enhance connectivity between the station's east and west sides, and the roof construction is advancing rapidly.

Passenger Amenities

Once completed, the concourse will accommodate over 1,000 passengers and include lounges and seating areas. The station's redesign will include separate entry and exit points on both sides, and is expected to serve up to 100,000 passengers daily, an increase from the current capacity of approximately 77,000.

Efforts to install wider foot overbridges support easy and safe pedestrian movement across platforms. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has approved the construction of elevated drive and entry-exit roads near the Master Canteen, with foundational work already starting using BDA-allocated land.

Collaborative Development

The East Coast Railway, in collaboration with the BDA, is spearheading the redevelopment, which also includes the integration of commercial and parking facilities. This cooperative effort will optimise the use of available land for commercial growth.

Key station features comprise state-of-the-art structures, an airport-style passenger terminal, an interlinking air concourse, and infrastructure inclusive for people with disabilities. There will be 34 lifts and 20 escalators, with additional amenities such as baggage screening, information kiosks, food plazas, and waiting lounges.

Security and Future Development

Enhanced security measures will include CCTV surveillance, luggage scanners, and electric vehicle charging stations. In the project's second phase, seven additional floors are planned for the western building (East Coast Railway reports), completing the new vision for Bhubaneswar Railway Station.