Indian Railways is all set to transform the travel experience in northern Odisha. In an ambitious project under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, several key railway stations are undergoing a complete overhaul. But this isn’t just about adding a few extra chairs or repainting old walls—this redevelopment is about reimagining what train stations can be like in modern India.
Why This Redevelopment Is a Big Deal?
For decades, many of India’s railway stations have remained largely the same—basic, functional, and often crowded. But with increasing demand for better facilities, smoother travel, and tourism-friendly infrastructure, the government is now focusing on making railway stations world-class.
In northern Odisha, stations in places like Rairangpur, Baripada, Keonjhar, Kendujhargarh, and others are being upgraded not just for looks—but for comfort, convenience, sustainability, and economic growth.
What’s Coming: Key Features of the Station Makeover
Here’s what passengers and locals can expect:
Economic Upliftment: These upgraded stations will encourage more tourism, local trade, and job creation, giving a major boost to the region’s economy.
Modern Infrastructure: The new station buildings will include upgraded platforms, cleaner waiting areas, digital ticketing counters, and improved sanitation facilities.
Better Accessibility: Stations will have lifts, escalators, and foot overbridges (FOBs), making travel easier for elderly people, those with disabilities, and families with small children.
Eco-Friendly Design: This project isn’t just about concrete and steel. Green technologies like solar power, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems are being integrated.
Improved Parking and Entry Points: The circulation area around each station will be redesigned to include pick-up/drop-off lanes and dedicated parking so passengers won’t struggle to get in or out.
Digital Passenger Amenities: Expect features like Wi-Fi, digital display boards, CCTV-based security systems, and clean food courts—basically, a smarter station experience.
Why Northern Odisha?
Northern Odisha is rich in tribal culture, nature reserves, and heritage sites, but accessibility has always been a challenge. With the new station upgrades, tourism will become easier and more appealing, making places like Baripada and Keonjhar more connected and open to the rest of India.
Station-Wise Progress Updates
Let’s take a closer look at how things are going at each station:
1. Kendujhargarh Station
- Budget: ₹10.16 crore
- What’s Happening: A new station building is under construction, plus a wide 12-meter Foot Over Bridge, modern signage, and expanded platform shelters.
- Status: Work on all fronts—from toilets to waiting halls—is in progress.
2. Barbil Station
Progress: Around 31% completed.
Budget: ₹17.7 crore
Highlights: Complete makeover of the station with a modern building and improvements to the Goods Shed.
3. Jaroli Station
- Budget: ₹8.6 crore
- Focus: New building, improved façade, and modern amenities.
- Progress: 24% completed.
4. Baripada Station
- Budget: ₹15.35 crore
- Progress: 80% of the work is done, including the new building. The remaining tasks include surfacing the platforms and final touches to public spaces.
5. Rairangpur Station
- Budget: ₹7.4 crore
- Work in Progress: New building, soft upgrades, and redesign of the main structure.
- Completion Target: July 2025, with 32% work already done.
6. Betnoti Station
- Budget: ₹14.15 crore
- Features: New station building, completed platform sheds, and modern passenger facilities.
- Status: Half the work is done; full completion expected by June 2025.
7. Badampahar Station
- Budget: ₹12.22 crore
- Additions: 3-meter Foot Over Bridge, upgraded building with passenger-friendly features.
- Progress: 34% work done, with a completion goal of April 2025.
These projects aren’t just cosmetic. They represent a larger vision of India’s transport infrastructure catching up with global standards. Northern Odisha, which often gets overlooked in major development plans, is now getting its due attention—thanks to Indian Railways’ focused efforts.
By 2025–2026, once all these stations are fully revamped, passengers will enjoy safer, faster, and more enjoyable train travel, and the local economy will gain fresh momentum.
