In a significant boost to India’s railway infrastructure, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) is spearheading major upgrades in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Visakhapatnam to double the originating capacity of trains by 2030.
This initiative, driven by surging passenger demand and the need to alleviate congestion, aims to enhance connectivity and efficiency across the network.
Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted the project’s importance: “We’re expanding coaching terminals, enhancing sectional and operational capacities in various cities to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestion. This move will upgrade our railway network and improve nationwide connectivity.”
The plan targets 48 major cities nationwide, with a focused effort on these three hubs under ECoR’s jurisdiction. Current infrastructure is being augmented through a multi-pronged approach, including adding platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and shunting facilities; developing new terminals in urban peripheries; creating mega coaching complexes; and boosting sectional capacity via signalling upgrades, multitracking, and traffic facility works.
In Puri, enhancements include constructing two additional full-length integrated pit lines to complement the existing six. The entire coaching maintenance facility is slated for relocation to a new second coaching terminal depot along the sanctioned Puri-Konark new line, where a large-scale coaching complex is planned. Supporting projects like automatic block signalling and flyovers are also underway to handle increased train volumes.
Bhubaneswar’s upgrades feature the development of Bhubaneswar New Station as a satellite coaching terminal, complete with two pit lines at Mancheswar and dedicated connectivity. Due to space limitations, new depots are proposed in nearby areas, alongside pit line electrification, safety fencing, fourth lines, and bypass surveys.
At Visakhapatnam, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for yard modifications is under Railway Board consideration, promising five additional lines, six passenger platforms, ten stabling lines, and electronic interlocking. Jaganadhpuram station on the proposed Kottavalasa-Anakapalle bypass line will serve as a mega coaching maintenance depot and satellite station. Multiple line additions (third to sixth), flyovers, and bypass projects are progressing to support the surge in traffic.
ECoR’s strategy extends beyond terminals, ensuring balanced capacity by considering nearby stations. The plan categorises actions into immediate, short-term, and long-term phases, with progressive capacity increases over the next five years to deliver immediate benefits. This comprehensive approach addresses not only terminal expansions but also sectional and operational bottlenecks across divisions.
As passenger travel continues to grow rapidly, these upgrades are poised to transform rail services in eastern India, fostering economic growth and seamless connectivity.
