Puri Railway Station is undergoing a massive transformation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to provide world-class facilities to pilgrims. East Coast Railway officials confirmed that the renovation work is nearing completion and aims to welcome devotees before the upcoming Jagannath Rath Yatra. The project focuses on blending modern amenities with traditional Kalinga architecture to reflect the spiritual essence of the holy city.
What are the key features of the Puri Railway Station redevelopment?
The redevelopment project is inspired by the Kalinga style of architecture found in the Jagannath Temple. One of the most unique features is the installation of wheels from the three iconic chariots of the Rath Yatra at the center of the station concourse. The station will offer enhanced passenger amenities, improved safety measures, and better crowd management systems to handle the heavy rush during festival seasons. Construction work that started in early 2023 is now in its final stages to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims.
Khurda Road-Bolangir rail line and ECoR performance updates
- Project Completion: The 301 km long Khurda Road-Bolangir rail line is targeted to be fully operational by December 2026.
- Financial Investment: An outlay of 1,938 crore has been provided for the 2025-26 fiscal year to speed up the remaining work.
- Construction Status: All five major bridges are finished and work is currently progressing on five station buildings.
- Operational Success: East Coast Railway recorded a milestone by transporting 1,670 million tonnes of freight and saw a 3.54 percent growth in passenger numbers.
The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed that two out of three components of the Khurda Road-Bolangir project are already commissioned. This infrastructure expansion is being viewed as a historic milestone for Odisha, as it will significantly improve connectivity across the state.