Visakhapatnam station gets ₹300-crore revamp with six new platforms and lines
Indian Railways has approved a comprehensive ₹300-crore yard remodelling project for Visakhapatnam railway station, a key step towards modernising rail infrastructure in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The project, to be executed by the newly formed South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone, includes six new platforms and six additional railway lines to manage growing passenger traffic.
The expansion will increase the station's total platform count from eight to 14. Visakhapatnam is a premier junction handling nearly 80,000 passengers and over 110 trains daily. During peak hours, the current facilities face severe congestion, prompting the need for additional capacity. The six new lines will accommodate incoming express services and dedicated terminal bays for Vande Bharat trains. Existing platforms are also being widened to reduce crowding and improve safety standards.
A key operational goal is eliminating train detentions at outer signals, a persistent problem for arriving passengers. The current track layout forces trains to cross multiple intersecting lines, creating bottlenecks near entry points. The yard overhaul will install state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking systems and add bypass lines to streamline traffic. Officials expect this to significantly improve train punctuality, reduce turnaround times, and ease movement into the main station complex.
Speaking about the zone's development initiatives, South Coast Railway General Manager Sandeep Mathur said: “Since its formation, SCoR has secured key project sanctions, including the ₹300 crore Visakhapatnam yard remodelling project, which includes six additional lines, six new platforms, electronic interlocking, and platform widening.”
Beyond the track expansion, the station will undergo structural modernisation with multi-level foot-over-bridges, modern escalators, ramps, and elevated waiting lounges. Ground clearance and land levelling are already underway on the Gnanapuram (eastern) side to construct an alternative main entrance, new booking facilities, and structured multi-level parking. Once completed, the upgraded station will serve as a modern multimodal transportation hub for the port city.
The project underscores the central government's focus on enhancing railway infrastructure in the region. South Coast Railway, carved out of East Coast Railway in 2019, has prioritised capacity augmentation projects to meet rising demand. The Visakhapatnam yard remodelling is among the largest sanctioned for the zone so far.
Local commuters and passenger associations have welcomed the move, hoping it will relieve daily congestion and reduce delays. The railway authorities plan to complete the project in phases to minimise disruption to train services. Detailed engineering designs and tendering processes are expected to begin shortly.
Visakhapatnam, being a major industrial and port city, relies heavily on its railway network for both passenger and freight movement. The upgrade is seen as vital for supporting economic growth and improving connectivity to southern, central, and northern India. With the addition of modern amenities and increased capacity, the station is set to offer a significantly better travel experience.
