Rapid Transformation of Puri Railway Station Under Amrit Bharat Scheme

In a significant stride towards modernizing railway infrastructure, Puri Railway Station in Odisha is experiencing a swift transformation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This comprehensive redevelopment initiative, part of Indian Railways' ambitious plan, aims to enhance facilities and infrastructure at crucial railway stations across the country.

The ongoing work at Puri Railway Station is specifically geared towards augmenting the station's train-handling capacity with a sanctioned cost of Rs. 161.51 crores. Prabhat Singh, Deputy CE/Con-I/Bhubaneswar, highlighted the progress of the redevelopment work, emphasizing its goal of creating a world-class facility. The planned changes include a multi-storey building, air-conditioned interiors, expanded platform areas, and improved amenities for passengers.

Singh mentioned, "We are transforming the entire station into a world-class facility. The building will be G plus Three (Ground plus Three), along with the concourse. We will also enhance the platform area. After the renovation, the entire building will be air-conditioned." Additional features encompass extensive parking, dedicated electric vehicle charging spaces, six escalators, and upgraded facilities such as a rest room for TTE, a retiring room with 150 beds, and dormitory facilities.

Puri Railway Station, serving the Puri district and operating under the Khurda Road railway division, is set to witness a substantial facelift. Currently equipped with eight railway tracks, the station's redevelopment aims to meet the rising demands of the region. The redesign incorporates elements of Kalinga temple architecture, reflecting the historical and cultural context of Odisha.

Prateek Rath, the architect overseeing the station's redevelopment, emphasized the integration of world-class design strategies to ensure passenger comfort. He noted, "The interiors are designed to be world-class in a way where the materials and the design use fewer columns, having larger ceiling heights and having barrier-free access with escalators, elevators, and an open four-storey high concourse."

As part of the broader Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, launched by Indian Railways, a total of 1,309 railway stations nationwide are slated for revamp. In Odisha, 57 railway stations, including Puri, are undergoing transformation. The scheme not only aims at modernizing infrastructure but also prioritizes enhancing the overall passenger experience.

The accelerated pace of redevelopment at Puri Railway Station signifies its evolving role as a symbol of modernization and efficiency, aligning with the broader vision of a well-connected and upgraded railway network in India. The station is poised to cater to the evolving needs of travelers, embodying the commitment to a contemporary and efficient transportation hub.

ET