Paralakhemundi: The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Paralakhemundi Light Railway (PLR) built by the Maharaja of Paralakhemundi, Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, in Odisha’s Gajapati district.
This historic occasion was commemorated through extensive publicity campaigns featuring banners, information brochures, and magnificent illumination of the station building. In addition, audio jingles were played, and an event for local schoolchildren was organised to honour the heritage and development of the Paralakhemundi Light Railway. Various competitions, including essay writing, drawing & painting, and elocution on the theme ‘Virasat Se Vikas Tak’ (From Heritage to Development), was organised.
A special meeting was also held jointly with Naupada-Paralakhemundi-Gunupur Rail Users Group at the railway station here. The Rail Users Group donated a huge photograph of Paralakhemundi Maharaja Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb and his son, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, who extended the PLR line from Paralakhemundi to Gunupur in two phases in 1929 and 1931.
Senior officers of the Railways including Senior DCM II of Waltair Division K Pavan Kumar, APO A Venketeswara Rao, ACM III J B Kiro and ADEN Srikakulam B V S Murty attended the event.
Bishnu Mohan Adhikari of Naupada-Paralakhemundi-Gunupur Rail Users Group pushed for preserving the heritage of PLR by setting up an art gallery at Paralakhemundi Railway Station. He also suggested a vintage look for the old station building.
THE HISTORY
Paralakhemundi Railway Station holds a special place in Indian railway history. It is the first dedicated railway line in Odisha, established in 1899 under the patronage of the Gajapati Maharaja of Paralakhemundi. This line, known as the Paralakhemundi Light Railway (PLR), was also the first narrow-gauge railway line in Odisha and remains one of the oldest railway stations in the state. The station played a pivotal role in connecting Paralakhemundi with Naupada and Gunupur, contributing significantly to the region’s socio-economic development.
The initiative to connect Paralakhemundi with Naupada, just 40 km away, was first proposed by Maharaja Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo II. Work on the line began with the go ahead from the government in 1898. The Naupada-Paralakhemundi narrow gauge line, under the ownership of the Maharaja, was launched as PLR on April 1, 1900, marking the first private railway company in Odisha.
In 1931, the railway line was extended to Gunupur (51 km), and in 1934, Bengal Nagpur Railway took over its management. Today, the Naupada – Gunupur line includes ten stations – Tekkali, Paddasana, Temburu, Ganguvada, Pathapatnam, Paralakhemundi, Kashinagar, Lihuri, Bansadhara, and Palasingi – between Naupada and Gunupur.
The foundation stone was laid for the Gauge Conversion of Naupada–Gunupur at Naupad
a on 27 September 2002. With effect from 1 April 2003, it became a part of the newly formed East Coast Railway. The line was finally closed for gauge conversion on 9 June 2004. Services were restarted on 22 August 2011 with the introduction of Puri–Gunupur Passenger.
Due to growing public demand, surveys for broad gauge conversion were conducted in 1950, 1964, and 1967. The foundation stone for Naupada-Gunupur gauge conversion was laid on September 27, 2002. It became a part of the newly-formed East Coast Railway on April 1, 2003. The line was finally closed for gauge conversion on June 9, 2004. Passenger services resumed between Paralakhemundi and Naupada on December 18, 2010. The entire Gunupur-Paralakhemundi-Naupada rail corridor was officially opened to the public on August 22, 2011, with the introduction of Puri–Gunupur Passenger.
DEVELOPMENT UNDER AMRIT BHARAT STATION SCHEME
The Paralakhemundi Railway Station, one of the 57 Amrit Stations announced by the Ministry of Railways undergoing major transformation with a focus on modern amenities, enhanced passenger experience, and long-term sustainability. With a redevelopment budget of Rs 16.4 crore, the station is being upgraded into a modern, customer-friendly transportation hub while retaining its historical charm.
Key Upgrades Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
1. Modern Passenger Amenities: The station will undergo a complete redevelopment to provide state-of-the-art amenities, including:
o Reserved Lounge
o First-Class Waiting Hall
o General Waiting Hall
o Premium Toilets, including Divyangjan-friendly facilities.
2. Enhanced Accessibility and Safety: The station will feature a 12-meter-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB) and two new passenger lifts to improve accessibility for Divyangjan. Improved lighting and security measures will be implemented to ensure passenger safety, especially during nighttime.
3. Improved Circulating Areas: The station’s circulation areas will be expanded and improved, including the creation of a new entrance arch, parking facilities, and an approach road. A park and future commercial area will also be developed as part of the modernization effort.
4. Architectural Revamp: The new design will pay homage to the Royal Palace of Paralakhemundi, with the use of modern construction materials that reflect the region’s royal heritage while creating a contemporary and functional design.
5. Passenger Information Systems: LED signage, coach indication boards, and train indication boards will be installed for real-time passenger information, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
6. Environmentally Sustainable Solutions: The project will integrate green solutions, including landscaping, energy-efficient lighting, and multi-modal transport integration, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ongoing and Completed Work
• Foot Over Bridge (FOB) construction is in the last leg.
• Electrification of Platform 2 and the installation of illuminated signage boards are under progress.
• Platform shelters, surface improvements, and VIP Lounge, First-Class Waiting Hall, and General Waiting Hall are completed.
• Ongoing works include the construction of premium toilets with Divyangjan-friendly features, circulating area development, and additional amenities.
“The revitalisation of Paralakhemundi Railway Station will not only enhance the passenger experience but also preserve its historical significance, contributing to the cultural heritage of Odisha,” the ECoR said in a release.