BHUBANESHWAR: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has prepared a blueprint to transform the Bhubaneswar New railway station with commercial high-rise towers, following the model of Bhubaneswar railway station.
The ambitious project, estimated at Rs 250 crore, aims to tap into the station’s significant development potential. The plan for this major infrastructure upgrade was discussed during a key meeting between railway authorities and state govt officials on March 11. “The project is futuristic as Bhubaneswar New station has huge potential,” an ECoR spokesperson said.
The railways has requested Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) to undertake development of the 100-ft wide road connecting Nandankanan road to Bhubaneswar New station to make it a full-fledged terminal for originating and terminating trains, besides accommodating commercial development. The station with seven platforms has been ready since last year, however, due to a lack of a wide approach road, very few trains stop there and no train originates or terminates there.
The state govt has granted in-principle approval for the new road project connecting Raghunathpur to the Bhubaneswar new railway station, govt sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The strategic location of the Bhubaneswar New station offers substantial potential for commercial growth, with plans including corporate offices, shopping malls and business spaces, alongside the full-fledged railway station. The project is expected to accommodate approximately 10 lakh square feet of commercial space.
“The location is ideal for this development due to the availability of adequate space,” a state govt officer said.
The govt is considering utilizing about 50% of the area for commercial development.
Once developed, the Bhubaneswar New station, 17 km from Cuttack and 12 km from Bhubaneswar, can ease the load of both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The station with around 18,000 footfall per day now may grow exponentially if the road and the amenities are developed.
The Bhubaneswar station with a daily footfall of one lakh now can comfortably cater to 1.75 lakh footfall daily very comfortably and up to 4 lakh per day once its ongoing work is complete.
