The Ministry of Railways is redeveloping the Balangir Railway Station in Odisha to provide better facilities to passengers. This project is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to modernize stations across the country. The new design will focus on blending modern amenities with the local culture of the region.
What new facilities will Balangir station get?
The station will be transformed with a grand building that reflects local heritage. To make travel easier, the railways will provide the following upgrades:
- Large circulating area and expanded parking space
- Comfortable waiting rooms for passengers
- Better signage for easy navigation
- New Foot Over Bridges (FOB) and lifts for accessibility
What is the status of the Khurda Road-Balangir rail line?
The redevelopment of the station is linked to the larger Khurda Road-Balangir rail line project. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this 301-km long line is progressing quickly and is targeted for completion by 2027. For the 2025-26 financial year, an outlay of ₹1,938 crore was provided for this project.
How is safety being improved in this section?
Indian Railways approved the installation of the indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system across 631 route kilometres of the East Coast Railway. This includes the Khurda Road-Balangir section. The system cost is ₹270 crore and it will help prevent collisions and overspeeding to ensure passenger safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Khurda Road-Balangir rail line be completed?
The project is targeted for completion by 2027, with a significant budget of ₹1,938 crore allocated for the 2025-26 financial year.
What is the Kavach system being installed at Balangir?
Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system that prevents collisions and signal jumping, approved for the Khurda Road-Balangir section to enhance safety.