Visakhapatnam Junction to have 14 platforms to cater to the growing demand

The redevelopment of Visakhapatnam Railway Station, which is among the top 20 stations in India in passenger revenue for the financial year 2023-24, has begun after much delay. Visakhapatnam Junction will have 14 platforms to cater to the growing demand.

In fact, Visakhapatnam Junction was the highest revenue earner among all the railway stations in the Bhubaneswar-headquartered East Coast Railway (ECoR) during 2022-23 and 2021-22 financial years also, according to data obtained by Kanchumurthi Eswar of Duvvada under the RTI Act. 

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of Visakhapatnam Railway Station, at an estimated cost of ₹456 crore, on November 12, 2022. The redeveloped station is designed to cater to the needs of 75,000 passengers a day. The work commenced in the first quarter of 2023 but was subsequently held up reportedly due to issues with the contractor.

Notwithstanding the delay, there is enough reason for people of the city to cheer up. The redeveloped Visakhapatnam Junction will have six new platforms taking the total to 14. It may be recalled that a survey for construction of new platforms was conducted more than a decade ago to reduce the congestion at the station. There were demands for construction of four additional platforms ever since.

The station redevelopment plan originally included provision for construction of two new platforms. A revised DPR submitted to make Visakhapatnam Junction as a terminal station with six additional platforms, major yard remodelling works to prevent criss-crossing of trains, leaving and entering Visakhapatnam Railway Station, is under consideration of the railways, according to sources.

It is learnt that of the six new platforms, two would be terminal platforms for the operation of Vande Bharat Express trains, which do not require engine reversal. A coach maintenance depot would be established in Visakhapatnam for the maintenance of Vande Bharat express trains.

“The revised master plan for redevelopment of the entire station, including yard redevelopment, provision of new escalators and 12 m wide FOB have been submitted, and it is under consideration of the authorities concerned,” Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra told The Hindu.

“The delay in the redevelopment work of the station is because the old contractor approaching the court on the issue. We (railways) have won the case and the construction work would be hastened,” he added.