Bhubaneswar: With an objective to transform Bhubaneswar Railway Station into a world class railway station, Odisha government on Thursday signed a memorumdum of understanding (MoU) with East Coast Railway (ECoR).
The agreement was signed between Bhubaneswar Development Authority and ECoR to develop Bhubaneswar Railway station into a multi-modal hub. The project envisages a new terminal for railway station, city bus terminal, car parking, pick and drop facilities, theatre, special zone for children and passengers.
Besides there will be a mix of real estate component as well including an iconic city square, hotels, retail and other commercial and service oriented spaces.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined the MoU signing ceremony through video conferencing.
The multi-modal hub will be developed by the State government at an estimated cost of Rs 840 crores and the public infrastructure part will be completed within 30 months. This includes a new terminal building for the railway station, city bus terminal, public car parking and other allied public utilities.
“It would be the first transit-oriented smart development project and it will trigger development of planned central business district for Bhubaneswar. A three-tier mechanism will be put in place for monitoring of the project,” said Patnaik.
Pradhan said people of Bhubaneswar would be greatly benefited by this project and it could become a hub for tourism in the area.
Chief Minister Patnaik complimented the Railways for coming forward to develop the project. He said it will be a world class multi-modal transport hub and could be a first of its kind in the country.