This famed city has the oldest railway station in Odisha, and it is not Cuttack or Bhubaneswar

When most people think of major railway hubs in Odisha, cities like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar come to mind. However, it is the historic city of Brahmapur, also known as Berhampur, that lays claim to the oldest operational railway station in the state, dating back to 1896.

The Brahmapur Railway Station was established as part of the East Coast State Railway under British colonial rule. It was integrated later into the Bengal Nagpur Railway network.

Positioned strategically on the Howrah–Chennai main line, the station connected the coastal districts of Odisha with major urban centres across eastern and southern India.

The station is a vital link between Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar, and lies on the electrified double-line section of the East Coast Railway zone under the Waltair division.

Its operational inception predates that of the more widely celebrated Paralakhemundi station, which is often mistakenly assumed to be the oldest due to its status as the first royal and narrow-gauge railway line in Odisha, opened in 1899.

Role in Regional Growth

Brahmapur quickly emerged as a commercial and administrative hub, leveraging its railway connectivity.

The station catalysed the transport of silk, handloom products, and agricultural goods from the hinterlands to broader markets, significantly impacting the regional economy. It also facilitated exports to neighbouring states and boosted local trade corridors.

The station today handles over 10,000 passengers daily, operating approximately 60 trains on a regular basis, including long-distance express and superfast services, as well as intercity and passenger trains.

Further, it is classified as a Non-Suburban Grade-3 (NSG-3) station under Indian Railways, reflecting both its revenue generation and high passenger traffic.

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

With five platforms and seven tracks, Brahmapur station lies on a double-electrified broad-gauge line and has the capacity to handle around 50 to 60 train movements per day. This includes halts, crossings, and arrivals/departures across peak and non-peak hours.

Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in facilitating goods movement, with dedicated goods lines and sidings supporting freight traffic, including food grains, coal, and construction materials.

Over the decades, it served as a cultural vessel, too, enabling easier movement of people and fostering the spread of literature, arts, and education.

Upgrades in the Modern Era

Under Indian Railways’ station redevelopment plans, Brahmapur has seen notable upgrades. The platforms have been modernised, and digital amenities have been introduced, including high-speed Wi-Fi, digital signage, escalators, and improved sanitation. These enhancements aim to blend legacy with convenience.

Plans are also under discussion to introduce an integrated waiting and booking facility and install solar-powered lighting across the premises.

ALSO READ: Six more Railway Stations in Odisha to be revamped; check updates

Despite being overshadowed by larger stations in Odisha's capital and commercial centres, Brahmapur’s railway station is a cornerstone of the state’s transport history. As the oldest in the region, it continues to serve as a vital link in Odisha’s socio-economic and historical fabric.