Indian Railways Approves ₹299 Crore Visakhapatnam Coaching Yard Remodelling to Boost Capacity, Add Six New Platforms
In a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing passenger facilities and improving operational efficiency, Indian Railways has approved a comprehensive remodelling of the Visakhapatnam Coaching Yard at an estimated cost of ₹299 crore. The project, sanctioned for the South Coast Railway zone, is expected to significantly increase the station’s handling capacity, reduce congestion, improve train punctuality and transform the passenger experience at one of India’s busiest railway terminals.
The ambitious project includes the construction of six new platforms, six additional railway lines, widening of the existing six platforms and the installation of a modern Electronic Interlocking (EI) system. It also envisages the creation of a new station entrance on the eastern side, improved passenger circulation, surface parking facilities and enhanced accessibility through ramps, lifts and escalators.
Visakhapatnam Railway Station is among the country’s busiest coaching terminals, catering to nearly 80,000 passengers every day and handling an average of 113 trains daily. With passenger numbers and train operations steadily increasing, the existing yard infrastructure has been facing operational challenges. The present layout requires both terminating and through trains to negotiate multiple surface crossings, resulting in congestion, longer detention at approach signals, limited platform availability and reduced operational flexibility.
Railway officials said the approved remodelling project is designed to eliminate these bottlenecks by reorganising the yard layout and creating additional infrastructure capable of accommodating future growth in passenger and train traffic.
A key component of the project involves the reorganisation of the coaching yard, including dismantling existing loop lines and redesigning point zones to streamline train movements. These changes are expected to minimise conflicts between arriving and departing trains, allowing smoother operations and reducing delays caused by surface crossings.
To meet the growing demand for passenger services, the project includes the construction of six new platforms equipped with modern passenger amenities. The existing six platforms will also be widened to improve passenger movement and reduce congestion, particularly during peak travel periods. The expansion will substantially increase the station’s capacity to handle more trains simultaneously while enhancing safety and convenience for passengers.
The project also provides for the construction of six additional railway lines, which will improve operational flexibility and allow more efficient management of train arrivals, departures and stabling operations.
Passenger convenience has been given significant emphasis in the redevelopment plan. The widened platforms will be equipped with ramps, lifts and escalators to provide barrier-free access and improve mobility for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers and families travelling with luggage.
Another major feature of the project is the development of a new eastern entrance to Visakhapatnam Railway Station. The additional entry point is expected to ease congestion at the existing station approach while providing better access for commuters from the eastern side of the city. As part of this development, the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) facilities will also be relocated to improve accessibility and passenger services.
The remodelling project also includes the installation of a state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking (EI) system across the station yard. Electronic interlocking is expected to enhance operational safety while enabling faster and more efficient route setting for trains. The advanced signalling technology will help optimise train movements and reduce operational delays.
To further improve the passenger experience, Indian Railways will develop surface parking facilities and implement a scientifically planned circulating area around the station. The improved traffic circulation plan is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passengers, private vehicles, taxis and public transport, reducing congestion around the station premises.
Railway officials said the comprehensive yard remodelling will significantly improve overall operational efficiency by increasing platform availability, reducing train detention time and minimising congestion within the coaching yard. The upgraded infrastructure will also support the introduction of additional passenger services in the future while ensuring better punctuality and more reliable train operations.
The approval of the ₹299 crore project reflects Indian Railways’ continued focus on modernising major railway terminals across the country to meet rising passenger demand. Once completed, the Visakhapatnam Coaching Yard remodelling is expected to transform one of the East Coast’s busiest railway stations into a more efficient, passenger-friendly and future-ready transport hub, capable of supporting the region’s growing mobility and economic needs.
