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The redevelopment of the Panposh railway station as an outer station for Rourkela is reportedly in the cards, media reports said.
The New Indian Express, cited Ramesh Agarwal, a member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), who has proposed upgrading Panposh, citing its strategic benefits.
In a letter to the South Eastern Railway (SER) general manager, he highlighted how the transformation could mirror the success of Adityapur station in Jharkhand’s Tatanagar.
A key component of the plan is the proposed Lathikata-Kalunga freight railway line, which is expected to decongest Rourkela Junction, a crucial point on the Howrah-Mumbai route. With the new line in place, freight trains would be rerouted, freeing up space for passenger services at Rourkela and allowing some trains to originate from Panposh.
Boosting Connectivity and Tourism
Panposh serves as an important entry point to Rourkela and is close to Vedvyas Dham, a prominent religious and heritage site.
To boost tourism, the Odisha government has proposed a Rs 60 crore suspension bridge linking Vedvyas Dham with Panposh. Further, the station, one of the oldest under SER, is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, but redevelopment has yet to commence.
ALSO READ: Rourkela Day: Minister Prithviraj Harichandan promises ring road, suspension bridge for steel city
Infrastructure Overhaul for Rourkela
On ‘Rourkela Day,’ Odisha's Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced several key infrastructure projects. Among them is a Rs 35 crore suspension bridge at Vedvyas Heritage site.
Additionally, a four-lane road connecting Rourkela to Jaleswar is planned to improve regional access. Another major development is a proposed 100-kilometer ring road around Rourkela, aimed at reducing congestion and facilitating smoother transit.
ALSO READ: Rourkela embarks on major infrastructure development with 3 new projects
Urban Transformation Underway
Rourkela Smart City Limited (RSCL) has greenlit three major projects, including a stormwater drainage system for flood-prone areas, refurbishment of the city’s bus terminal, and the transformation of an old TISCO quarry into a recreational hub.
Authorities are also advancing the ‘Rourkela One’ initiative, which includes an integrated command and control center and a tribal museum, both expected to be completed by June.
Efforts are also being made to organize street vendors, with dedicated markets planned for over 400 sellers. These projects collectively signal a major push towards modernizing Rourkela and enhancing urban mobility, tourism, and economic growth.
