Bhubaneswar, Feb. 24: The moment passengers get down at the city railway station, they will get to know about the state's heritage and culture through paintings.

Interiors of Bhubaneswar railway station are set for a new look as a group of 31 artists today began painting on them, depicting the state's heritage and culture.

In the first phase, the wall of the platform No. 6 will be decked up in a fortnight. A small board will also be put up depicting the themes of the artworks. Then the beautification drive will spread to other sites such as the stairs, seats, washbasins and the ceilings of the station.

The artists, including former and present students of BK College of Art and Crafts, Utkal University of Culture and a few freelancers, are involved in canvassing the wall that has been named Gateway to Odisha.

A huge graffiti with the word "Odisha" written on it will welcome the passengers once they get down at the platform No. 6. The wall would also reflect the state's rich heritage and portray the rural life, culture, wildlife and other aspects of the state.

"Each of the painting would depict the specialties of various districts of Odisha. From the crocodiles at Bhitarkanika in Kendrapada to the Buddhist tourist sites in Jajpur, we will portray every important feature that the state is known for," said Satyabhama Majhi, an artist.

Snehalata, another artist, is depicting the beauty of Sambalpuri fabrics through her artworks. "Keeping the durability factor in mind, we are using paints that would last longer," she said. The artists are using plastic paints and waterproof coating to make the paintings last for at least 10 years.

Other topics include the silver filigree of Cuttack, Pipili artwork, Mukteswar Temple and the representation of Debagarh - the first place in the state to introduce electricity.

The East Coast Railway have initiated the process of turning the station into an art station on the lines of similar facilities in Rajasthan and Mumbai. They have also tied-up with organisations such as the Bakul Foundation and the Lions Club for the project.

"We have planned to brighten the station, so that visitors get a good feeling. There is no huge amount involved in the project. All one need to pay is for the painting equipment and the artists have volunteered for the project," said Sujit Mahapatra from the Bakul Foundation.

The railway would take up the initiative at other stations coming under its jurisdiction such as Cuttack and Sambalpur among others.

"We will provide all necessary facilities, but the local artists and voluntary organisations should come forward to start similar drives in other stations as well," said the railway's chief public relations officer J.P. Mishra.

"We are hopeful that the painting would save the wall from defacement," Mishra said, adding that "the aim is to spread a celebratory mood at major stations by making them platforms of public art."