By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Paralakhemundi railway station, a place steeped in history, is undergoing a transformation under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aiming to restore its grandeur as a heritage model railway station. As the first Odisha-dedicated railway line and the first royal railway station of Odisha, it stands as a testament to the vision of the region’s great rulers who foresaw the importance of railway connectivity long before it became a necessity.
However, the installation of a statue that neither resembles Maharaja Gourachandra Gajapati nor Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati has triggered widespread criticism. Instead of a fitting tribute to these legendary figures, what stands before the station is an alien structure that fails to reflect their historical importance. Locals have expressed deep disappointment, questioning how such an unrecognizable statue was approved in the first place.
Maharaja Gourachandra Gajapati was not just a ruler but a pioneer who laid the foundation of the Naupada–Paralakhemundi Light Railway in 1898-99, connecting this princely state to the broader railway network. His contribution to Odisha’s rail history was monumental, making it understandable why people feel so strongly about his representation. The misplaced and unidentifiable structure has been perceived as an insult to the heritage and pride of the region.
Amid this controversy, there is a growing demand for the installation of proper statues of both Maharaja Gourachandra Gajapati Narayana Deb II and Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayana Deb at the station premises. While Maharaja Gourachandra laid the foundation of the railway, it was Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati the architect of Odisha’s statehood, who expanded and strengthened the railway network, ensuring its growth and impact. His vision extended beyond transportation, shaping Odisha’s modern identity.
For the people of Paralakhemundi, this railway station is not just an infrastructure project—it is a symbol of odisha’s history, culture, and identity. The ongoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat scheme presents an opportunity not just to modernize the station but to honor the legacy of those who built it. The demand for proper statues is not merely about aesthetics but about respect, accuracy, and rightful tribute to the pioneers of Odisha’s railway heritage.
As Paralakhemundi station steps into the future, the people refuse to let its past be misrepresented. The restoration of its heritage, along with the rightful tribute to its pioneers, must be ensured so that future generations understand and appreciate the remarkable history behind these railway tracks. The authorities must act swiftly to rectify this oversight and replace the unidentifiable structure with statues that truly reflect the region’s great railway visionaries.
