Indian Railways Approves Rs 2.99 bn Visakhapatnam Yard Upgrade

Visakhapatnam Railway Station is among the busiest regional terminals and handles nearly 80,000 passengers and an average of 113 trains every day. The existing yard layout forces terminating and through trains to pass at multiple surface crossings, leading to delays at approach signals. Those operational constraints have limited platform utilisation and contributed to congestion in yard approaches.

The approved scheme requires dismantling existing loop lines, reconfiguring point zones and widening the six existing platforms while adding six new platforms with modern passenger amenities. The plan includes lifts, ramps and escalators on widened platforms to improve accessibility and an eastern entrance with relocation of the Passenger Reservation System. Surface parking, an improved circulating area and an Electronic Interlocking system will also be developed to streamline movements and signalling.

Railway officials said the remodelling is expected to reduce congestion in the coaching yard, improve platform utilisation, minimise train detention and enhance punctuality. The additional infrastructure is expected to enable the station to handle increasing passenger traffic and to accommodate more train services in coming years. Authorities indicated that improved operational efficiency would also help manage approach movements and reduce delays.

Project implementation will be overseen by South Coast Railway and is likely to be carried out in phases to maintain operations during works. Detailed schedules and contractor appointments were not disclosed, but officials indicated coordination with station management to minimise passenger disruption. Once complete, the yard remodelling should provide greater resilience for future service growth.