Vizag railway station redevelopment to begin with revised design
The long-pending redevelopment of the Visakhapatnam railway station is set to begin soon, with revised plans now in place. The updated design provides for 14 platforms and 16 railway lines, keeping future growth in mind, officials said.
The revised proposal has been submitted to the Railway Board for approval. Unlike the earlier plan, which proposed a ground-plus-two structure, the new design includes foundations capable of supporting up to 11 floors. This change is aimed at meeting long-term requirements, though the first phase will be limited to three floors.
Nearly ₹20 crore has already been spent on demolishing old structures, and the site is now ready for construction. The new station complex will include facilities for passenger rest and overnight stays. Entry and exit points are being planned on airport-style lines to ensure smooth movement, even during peak hours and VIP visits.
The ₹500-crore project had faced delays due to litigation involving the contractor. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat recently met the Union Railway Minister and sought early clearance for the revised design. Approval is expected by January, and the project is targeted for completion within two years of clearance.
As part of the redevelopment, the existing small station building on the western side will be dismantled to allow for additional platforms. A large, modern station building will come up on the Gnanapuram side. Parking facilities are proposed for around 350 cars and 1,500 two-wheelers. Existing drainage systems will also be diverted.
The eastern and western station buildings will be connected through an air bridge. Existing foot overbridges, which are currently 3 to 3.5 metres wide, will be expanded to a minimum width of 12 metres to ease passenger movement.
The Railway Minister has welcomed the proposal to create foundations that allow vertical expansion. During a site inspection, Mr. Sribharat also requested that Visakhapatnam continue as a terminal station. He further sought the introduction of Vande Bharat services to Tirupati and Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, work on the third railway line between Duvvada and Visakhapatnam is underway and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.