Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Archives - Odisha Connect

Odisha’s Railway Budget Allocation Rises Nearly 13-Fold in 12 Years, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw

OdishaConnect — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:14:29 +0000

Odisha’s railway budget allocation has increased nearly 13 times over the past 12 years, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha, highlighting the Centre’s focus on expanding rail infrastructure and modernising the state’s railway network.

The minister said Odisha received an average annual railway budget of ₹838 crore between 2009 and 2014. For the 2026-27 financial year, the allocation has increased to ₹10,928 crore, marking a significant rise in investment.

Vaishnaw also stated that the pace of railway track construction in Odisha has accelerated considerably. While the state recorded an average of 53 km of new railway tracks annually between 2009 and 2014, the figure has increased to 186 km per year during the 2014-26 period.

As of April 1, 2026, the Centre has approved 55 railway projects in Odisha, including 19 new railway lines and 36 doubling and gauge enhancement projects. These projects involve the construction of 4,256 km of railway lines at an estimated cost of ₹81,739 crore.

Among the recently completed projects are the Daitari–Banspani, Jharsuguda–Sardega and Haridaspur–Paradip new railway lines, along with the doubling of the Sambalpur–Titlagarh line. Together, these 11 projects represent an investment of nearly ₹3,200 crore, while work on 26 additional railway projects is currently underway.

The Railway Minister further said that 59 railway stations in Odisha are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Redevelopment has already been completed at Balangir, Baripada, Barpali, Bimalagarh, Cuttack, Kesinga, Khariar Road, Paralakhemundi and Talcher stations. Bhubaneswar railway station is being upgraded into a world-class facility, while redevelopment plans are also progressing for Cuttack, Puri, Mancheswar and Lingaraj Road stations.

Vaishnaw added that Odisha’s entire broad-gauge railway network has now been electrified, with all new railway lines and doubling projects being constructed with electrification.

The minister also highlighted improvements in railway safety nationwide. He said the railway safety budget has increased from ₹39,200 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1,20,389 crore in 2026-27. The government has expanded the implementation of the indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection System, which is operational over 1,465 route kilometres under Kavach 3.2 and 2,490 route kilometres under Kavach 4.0.

According to Vaishnaw, the Centre is also using the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to ensure faster and better-coordinated execution of railway infrastructure projects across Odisha and the rest of the country.

The post Odisha’s Railway Budget Allocation Rises Nearly 13-Fold in 12 Years, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw appeared first on Odisha Connect.

East Coast Railway Shifts Ticket Counters to New Concourse at Bhubaneswar Station Amid Redevelopment Drive

OdishaConnect — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:38:16 +0000

In a key step towards transforming Bhubaneswar Railway Station into a modern, world-class facility, the East Coast Railway on Tuesday relocated its ticket counters to a new ground-level departure concourse. This shift is part of the ongoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and is aimed at enhancing passenger convenience and operational efficiency.

Ticket Counters Moved to New Station Building

The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) counters have now been shifted from a temporary shed to the newly developed ground-level concourse within the station building. The change, effective from June 17, 2025, is a temporary measure during ongoing construction but is expected to ensure uninterrupted ticketing services.

Direct Access from Town Bus Stand and Platform 1

As part of the upgrades, a new approach road from the Town Bus Stand has also been opened, giving passengers direct access to the concourse and Platform No. 1, significantly easing congestion during peak hours. The redesigned layout offers more spacious counters and improved flow of passenger movement.

Capacity Boost and Future Readiness

Currently catering to nearly 77,000 commuters daily, Bhubaneswar Railway Station is projected to handle up to 1 lakh passengers per day post-redevelopment. The entire upgrade project is being executed at a cost of ₹398 crore, aiming to elevate the station’s infrastructure to global standards.

Challenges in Transition and Accessibility Concerns

While the move has been generally welcomed, some passengers have raised concerns over insufficient signage directing commuters to the new ticketing counters. Others pointed out the need for better wheelchair accessibility and facilities for the elderly and differently abled.

Assurance of Smooth Operations

A senior official from East Coast Railway stated, “This arrangement ensures that ticketing services continue without any disruption, while allowing construction to proceed smoothly.” The official added that feedback from commuters is being reviewed to further improve the station’s functionality during the transition period.

The relocation of the ticket counters marks a significant milestone in Bhubaneswar Railway Station’s transformation journey. Once completed, the project promises to offer enhanced amenities, better crowd management, and an overall improved travel experience for millions of passengers.

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