ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: The decked-up East Side Station Building (facing National Highway 16) of the century-old Cuttack railway station will be dedicated to people by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the presence of several distinguished leaders, including Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, December 7. The railway station in the Millennium City which was set up during the British era in 1899, is presently undergoing major transformations under the Amrit Stations Scheme in order to become a modern transportation hub offering world-class amenities.
This ambitious project, with an investment of Rs 303 crore, aims at amplifying passenger experience and improving connectivity across the region.
Also Read: Marketing woes hit cotton farmers
The East Side Station Building, constructed at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore, will significantly improve passenger convenience as well as safety through hassle-free access for travellers arriving from NH-16 side. This development is expected to streamline station operations and offer seamless passenger movement. Key features of the East Side Station Building include 21,270 sqft of air-conditioned space with modern facilities such as a food court (2,100 sqft), modern toilets (including accessibility for differently-abled passengers), ticket counters, waiting areas, escalators and lifts. The station features enhanced accessibility with Sugamya-compliant escalators and lifts for all passengers, including those with disabilities. A spacious circulating area, ample parking, and pick-up/drop-off facilities are poised to make the station more accessible to travellers from Cuttack and surrounding districts. The station will also host Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), ATM kiosk, and One Station One Product (OSOP) trolleys, showcasing handicrafts made by women self-help groups supported by NABARD. The new building is designed to address the needs of passengers not only from Cuttack but also from nearby areas like Paradip, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Badamba, Narasinghpur and Niali. With a focus on safety, convenience, and comfort, the building provides passengers with hassle-free access, easing the time-consuming entry traditionally faced at the station.
