Bhubaneswar: The railways has approved Rs 300 crore for the redevelopment of Berhampur station, with plans to add three rail lines, four platforms, a wide air concourse, a quick watering system, escalators, lifts, CCTV surveillance and other facilities for passengers.Berhampur station currently handles more than 162 trains and around 25,000 passengers daily. According to a statement by East Coast Railway (ECoR) issued on Wednesday, the addition of three new lines and four platforms will help the station manage the rising number of trains. The project also includes a new station building on the second-entry side and major yard modifications.Railway officials said the service building and railway quarters will be relocated to create more space for a passenger-friendly station layout. The redevelopment plan includes lifts and escalators to improve accessibility. Divyang-friendly infrastructure, tactile pathways and level-access facilities will be provided across the station to ensure barrier-free movement for passengers.To ease congestion, circulating areas on both sides of the station are being developed. ECoR said work on the main circulating area, including road widening, footpaths, drainage, compound wall and landscaping, has already been completed. Development of the second-entry circulating area is underway and will provide silk city with another functional station access point.A quick watering system will also be installed to speed up watering of coaching rakes, reduce turnaround time and support faster train departures. Additional platform shelters are under construction.Security and passenger amenities will be upgraded with CCTV surveillance, access control, baggage scanners, passenger information systems and integrated electrical and signalling improvements. Multilingual signage in Odia, Hindi and English will also be installed for easier navigation.Railway sources said the tender for the redevelopment work will be floated soon. The new station building is expected to reflect the tradition and culture of Berhampur.In a related move, the railways sanctioned a final location survey for a coach maintenance facility at Golanthara near Berhampur station. Once completed, the facility is expected to allow more trains to originate from and terminate at Berhampur.
