CUTTACK: Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday inaugurated the east side station building of Cuttack railway station which connects it to the national highway.
Vaishnaw said the new entry, which is laced with modern amenities and facilities, will transform passenger travel by offering improved accessibility, safety and convenience. “While enhancing connectivity, this project would contribute to socio-economic growth by boosting trade and commerce, making Cuttack railway station a key hub in the region,” he said.
The east side entry is designed to provide seamless movement for passengers arriving from the NH side, making the station more accessible.
This development is part of an ambitious Rs 303 crore project aimed at redeveloping Cuttack railway station into a modern transportation hub with world-class amenities under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, he added.
The project, completed at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore, will address long-standing demands for better connectivity in the region. The new infrastructure is expected to streamline station operations and improve passenger flow by enhancing safety and travel efficiency, Vaishnaw asserted.
The station building has 21,270 sqft of air-conditioned space with modern amenities including a 2,100 sqft food court, modern toilets, ticket counters, waiting areas, escalators and lifts, etc.
Additional services like Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), ATM kiosk, automated ticket vending machines (ATVM), and One Station One Product (OSOP) trolleys, promoting local handicrafts made by women self-help groups are also available in the spacious circulating area with parking, pickup and drop-off facilities.
Among others, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab and city MLAs were present on the occasion.