The Waltair Division of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Paralakhemundi Light Railway (PLR) in Gajapati district on April 1, marking a milestone in Odisha’s railway heritage. The PLR, built in 1900 by Maharaja Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayan Dev II, was Odisha’s first privately-owned railway, playing a crucial role in regional connectivity and economic development.
Today, the historic railway spans 51 km from Naupada to Gunupur, connecting 10 stations and serving as a lifeline for local residents. The anniversary celebrations not only honored its legacy but also highlighted ongoing modernization efforts.
🚂 A Journey Through Time: The Legacy of PLR
The Paralakhemundi Light Railway was conceived in 1898 when Maharaja Goura Chandra Gajapati Narayan Dev II proposed a rail link between Paralakhemundi and Naupada. After two years of construction, the 40-km narrow gauge line was inaugurated on April 1, 1900.
Key milestones in its history include:
- 1931: The Maharaja’s son, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Dev, extended the railway to Gunupur.
- 1934: The management of PLR was handed over to Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR).
- 1950s–1960s: Public demand for gauge conversion led to feasibility surveys.
- 2010: The Naupada-Gunupur line was converted to broad gauge, improving connectivity.
- 2011: The full broad gauge corridor was opened, marking a new chapter for PLR.
Despite modernization, the railway remains a symbol of Odisha’s royal heritage and engineering ingenuity.
🚆 Modernization on Track: Transforming Paralakhemundi Station
To commemorate the 125th anniversary, ECoR organized special events across the region, including:
- ✔️ Illumination of stations and heritage campaigns.
- ✔️ School competitions on PLR’s cultural impact.
- ✔️ Special ceremony at Paralakhemundi Station, attended by railway officials and locals.
- ✔️ Historic photograph donations by the Rail Users Group to honor the Maharaja’s contributions.
🏗️ Revamping Paralakhemundi Station under Amrit Bharat Scheme
As part of the ₹16.4 crore Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Paralakhemundi Station is being transformed into a modern transport hub. Key upgrades include:
- ✅ A 12-meter footbridge for better accessibility.
- ✅ Passenger lifts and premium waiting halls for travelers.
- ✅ Divyangjan-friendly toilets, making the station more inclusive.
- ✅ Eco-friendly lighting and expanded parking facilities.
- ✅ Architectural designs inspired by the Maharaja’s palace, blending tradition with modernity.
With 70% of the redevelopment work complete, officials aim to finalize landscaping and commercial zones by the end of 2025.
🏛️ Preserving Heritage and Community Engagement
In an effort to promote heritage awareness, ECoR launched the ‘Virasat Se Vikas Tak’ (From Heritage to Development) campaign, engaging local communities in:
- 🎨 Essay writing, painting, and elocution competitions for school students.
- 📻 Audio jingles and brochures educating the public about PLR’s history.
- 🏛️ Proposals to restore the old station building and add an art gallery showcasing the region’s railway heritage.
The initiative not only celebrates Odisha’s rail legacy but also reinforces railway-driven socio-economic progress in Gajapati district.
🚉 Conclusion: A Historic Railway Enters a New Era
The Paralakhemundi Light Railway, a legacy of Odisha’s royal past, continues to evolve while preserving its historic essence. With 125 years of service, it remains an integral part of the state’s transport infrastructure, bridging history with modern railway advancements.
As the Paralakhemundi Station transformation nears completion, it promises enhanced passenger amenities and a vibrant tribute to Odisha’s first privately-owned railway. The project reflects the union of heritage and progress, ensuring that the PLR continues to serve future generations with improved efficiency and cultural pride.