Cuttack: The Indian Railways is giving Odisha’s iconic Cuttack railway station a world-class makeover and if sources in the East Coast Railway are to be believed, it will be ready for inauguration next year.
The railway junction will have modern amenities and improved facilities albeit with a heritage touch. The outer and inner walls of the station building will characterise the essence of the city’s heritage, including Bali Jatra, the glorious maritime history of Odisha, and tribal artwork.
The railway station, an important junction of Indian Railways connecting people from different parts of the country since 1899, was among the 1,309 stations picked up for renovation in 2021 under the Amrit Station Scheme. The redevelopment is being done at a project cost of Rs 303 crore.
According to East Coast Railway (ECoR) sources, besides refurbishment of the station building, two new structures are also being constructed. At least 11,663 square metres of platform shed has been demolished for the redevelopment work.
The ECoR received the conceptual plans and presentation on redevelopment on July 26, 2022, and started the facelift. “Sixty percent of the construction work of the main building is complete and we are hoping that it will be finished as per schedule,” ECoR Chief Engineer (Construction), Ajay Kumar Samal told FE.
Railway Minister Vaishnaw envisioned the station evolving into a bustling “city centre for Cuttack”, drawing parallels to Prime Minister Modi’s call for stations to serve as connecting hubs between states.
While taking stock of the work during his inspection of 2nd Entry from National Highway side on January 28, Vaishnaw said that the station will connect both side of the city. “Work on the second entry to the station is nearing completion and it looks like an airport with modern facilities. Large space has been created for passengers. A good parking facility has also been provided. Arrangements have been made to ensure smooth movement of truck from Malgodown to the highway. Escalators, lifts and stairs have been built along with a well-ventilated building. Work on the main entry is also in full swing,” he told reporters.
He laid the foundation stone for development of the second entry and circulating area of the station in January 2022.
Top-Notch Facilities For Enhanced Passenger Experience
The three-storey railway station to be built at OMP Square will also have GRP, RPF, RMS and parcel offices. The station will have separate arrival and departure concourses, a large food court and a retiring room with modern amenities and green design features. Water tanks, new roads, better drainage, an electrical substation concourse, three escalators, six lifts, two more foot overbridges, CCTV cameras, baggage scanners, illuminated signages, public address system will make travel safe and easier for passengers.
With a second entry to the station from the national highway and separate entry and exit points, the rush would be easily managed. Passengers can be conveniently picked up and dropped. People coming from far-off places can rest too.
The station is an important junction of ECoR with people from Jagatsinghpur, Paradip, Kendrapada, Jajpur and other neighbouring districts also boarding the train from here.
Odisha’s Maritime History At Its Core
While the stress is on upgrading the facilities for better passenger experience, the Indian Railways is equally focusing on showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the city. The main building of the station will feature Bali Jatra, the annual cultural extravaganza and one of the country’s largest open-air fairs that commemorates the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural links between ancient Kalinga and Southeast Asia organised by the Mahanadi every year from the day of Kartik Purnima.
According to ECoR sources, the main station building will capture the essence of Bali Jatra and will showcase the Boita (large boat) raised on Mahanadi river bed during the occasion. A burst of colours showcasing the city’s culture, including tribal paintings, will transform the once-dull inner walls of the station building and the waiting area.
Green Building & Disabled-friendly
The redeveloped Cuttack railway station Building will be a self-sustained energy- efficient green building and have amenities for persons with disabilities.
