By Nageshwar Patnaik in Bhubaneswar, July 17, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations, including 7 in Odisha, through videoconferencing from Jalandhar Cantt station in Punjab. The stations have been redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). Odisha’s redeveloped Amrit stations are Talcher, Balangir, Paralakhemundi, Kesinga, Barpali, Bimalagarh Junction and Baripada.

Altogether 59 railway stations in Odisha have been selected under the ABSS, reflecting Indian Railways’ push to create modern, inclusive and future-ready transport hubs across the state, official sources said. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said “From Sambalpuri handloom and royal heritage to mining regions and rich cultural traditions, these redeveloped stations proudly reflect Odisha’s diverse regional identity.”

Balangir station, a key rail hub in western Odisha, which has been redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore under ABSs, has emerged as a modern, passenger-friendly transport hub while preserving the region’s cultural identity. The redevelopment includes a new station building, a 12-metre-wide foot over bridge with lift facilities, widened approach roads, improved circulation and parking areas, upgraded waiting halls, enhanced platform shelters and modern passenger amenities.

Kesinga station in Kalahandi district has been redeveloped at a cost of about Rs 22 crore with a second entry, lifts, a wide foot overbridge, retiring rooms and dormitories. Similarly, Barpali station in Bargarh district has received a modern station building, barrier-free infrastructure and improved passenger facilities at a cost of Rs 22 crore, officials said.

In southern Odisha, Paralakhemundi station has undergone a Rs 17crore makeover featuring palace-inspired architecture, lifts, Divyangjan-friendly facilities, modern passenger information systems and green initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and solar power. The design reflects the heritage of the region while providing improved amenities for passengers.

Talcher station, located in Odisha’s industrial heartland, has been upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 13 crore with an improved station building, enhanced waiting areas, platform upgrades and cultural elements reflecting local heritage. The redevelopment of Baripada and Bimalagarh stations has also been completed under the ABSS.

Officials said the redeveloped stations have been designed to offer seamless passenger movement, better accessibility and improved travel comfort while showcasing local art, culture and architectural traditions. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, support tourism, trade and local businesses, and improve access to educational and economic opportunities across western, southern and industrial regions of Odisha, the East Coast Railway said in a statement.