New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has identified 59 stations in Odisha for development under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This initiative aims to continuously upgrade stations with a long-term approach, including phased implementation of master plans to improve amenities.
In a written reply to a question of Shrimati Mamata Mohanta in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, provided details on the development of railway stations in Odisha under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry of Railways has launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Under this scheme, 1,337 stations have been identified for development, with 59 of these stations located in Odisha. The Minister’s response listed all 59 stations in the state that are part of the initiative.
Development works are progressing at a good pace, and the Minister noted that Phase I works have been completed at Cuttack station. The reply also highlighted the status of ongoing works at several key stations, including Bhubaneswar, Puri, Balangir, Baripada, Barpali, Betnoti, Jaleswar, Jeypore, Kesinga, Mancheswar, and Parlakhemundi.
The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, as explained by the Minister, focuses on continuous development with a long-term approach. It involves creating master plans and implementing them in phases to enhance station amenities.
The scheme aims to improve station access, waiting halls, toilets, and platform facilities. It also includes provisions for free Wi-Fi, ‘One Station One Product’ kiosks, and better passenger information systems. The Minister also stated that the development and upgrading of railway stations can have a positive impact on tourism in the surrounding areas.
Regarding funding, the Minister explained that the details of fund allocation are maintained zone-wise, not state-wise or work-wise. Odisha is covered by three railway zones: East Coast Railway, South Eastern Railway, and South East Central Railway.
For these zones, a total of 1,205 crore was allocated in 2023-24, 1,529 crore in 2024-25, and 1,287 crore in 2025-26. The Minister also noted that no specific timeframe can be given for the completion of the works due to the complex nature of such projects, which involve various statutory clearances and on-site challenges.