In a major push to modernise rail infrastructure in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Indian Railways has approved a comprehensive ₹300-crore yard remodelling project for the Visakhapatnam railway station. Executed by the newly formed South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone, the project features six new platforms and six additional railway lines to handle expanding passenger traffic.Expanding operational capacityThe station expansion will increase the terminal’s total platform count from eight to 14.As a premier junction handling nearly 80,000 passengers and over 110 trains daily, the facility currently faces severe congestion during peak hours. Railway planners noted that six additional lines would accommodate incoming express services and dedicated terminal bays for Vande Bharat trains. Existing platforms are also being physically widened to reduce crowding and improve safety standards.Eliminating outer signal delaysA key operational goal of the project is eliminating train detentions at outer signals, a long-standing issue for arriving passengers. The current track configuration requires trains to cross multiple intersecting lines, creating bottlenecks near the entry points. The yard overhaul will implement state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking systems alongside new bypass lines to streamline traffic. This structural modification is expected to significantly enhance train punctuality, reduce turnaround times, and ease movement into the main station complex.Enhancing passenger amenitiesSpeaking to The Hindu regarding the zone’s strategic 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.”Complementing the track expansion, the station will undergo structural modernisations featuring multi-level foot-over-bridges, modern escalators, ramps, and elevated waiting lounges. Ground clearance and land levelling are 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. Published - August 09, 2026 07:38 pm IST