In a significant step towards transforming the railway infrastructure and enhancing passenger amenities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the renovated railway station at Balangir under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme through a grand ceremony.
In this sequence, seven stations including Balangir, Barpali, Paralakhemundi, Talcher, Kesinga, Baripada and Bimalgarh in Odisha have been dedicated to the nation.
Renovated at a cost of around Rs 109 crore, these stations reflect the Government of India’s vision to develop modern, passenger-centric railway stations while preserving the cultural identity, architecture and heritage of the respective regions.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations have been comprehensively developed. It has: modern station building and improved circulation area, state-of-the-art waiting hall and toilets, advanced platform enclosure, lighting and digital passenger information system, standard information boards and multimedia transport connectivity, 12-meter wide pedestrian overbridge with lift facilities. The station buildings have incorporated elements of local art, culture and architecture. These transformed stations will enhance passenger amenities and promote regional connectivity, tourism and local economic development.
Inauguration ceremony at Balangir
The function organized at Balangir station under Sambalpur division was attended by Balangir MP Smt. Sangita Kumari Singhdeo, MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singhdeo, District Magistrate Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar and Padma Shri Kailash Chandra Meher. Senior DCM Smt. Garima Tiwari welcomed the guests.
The event was attended by the local Sarpanch, college president, school principal, students, NGOs, central and state government officials, railway employees and a large number of local people.
