Railway projects exceeding Rs 80,000 crore are currently underway in Odisha, according to Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna. He stated that Rs 10,599 crore was allocated to the state in the 2025-26 Union Budget, marking a 12.5-fold increase from Rs 838 crore allocated during 2009–14.

The Minister conducted a detailed inspection of the redevelopment work at Bhubaneswar railway station. East Coast Railway’s General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal joined him during the visit. Somanna said the Bhubaneswar station redevelopment, being carried out under the 'Amrit Bharat Station' scheme, is progressing rapidly.

Fifty-nine stations across the state are being redeveloped at a cost of Rs 2,379 crore. In the last year alone, more than Rs 25,000 crore has been sanctioned for eight new railway projects, multitracking initiatives, and flyover constructions.

The Bhubaneswar station will feature enhanced infrastructure, including elevated approach roads to segregate inward and outward movement. Officials outlined that the new facilities will comprise improved access points, spacious waiting halls, toilets, lifts and escalators, kiosks for local products, modern passenger information systems, facilities for disabled persons, executive lounges, and spaces for commercial use.

The developments are aligned with the central government’s infrastructure growth vision and are expected to significantly enhance rail connectivity and passenger comfort in Odisha.