Fri Jul 04 10:48:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The long-awaited redevelopment of the Visakhapatnam Railway Station has finally begun after a delay due to contractor issues. The station, one of the top revenue earners for Indian Railways, will be upgraded to include 14 platforms, up from the current number, to handle increasing passenger demand. The project, originally approved in 2022, aims to cater to 75,000 passengers per day. A revised plan is under consideration to make Visakhapatnam Junction a terminal station with six additional platforms and improved yard management. Two of the new platforms will specifically accommodate Vande Bharat Express trains. The delay was attributed to a legal dispute with the original contractor, which has now been resolved, allowing the project to proceed.
**News Article:**
**Visakhapatnam Railway Station Redevelopment Finally Underway After Delays**
**VISAKHAPATNAM, July 4, 2025** – After significant delays, the redevelopment of Visakhapatnam Railway Station, one of the highest revenue-generating stations in India, is now underway. The project aims to transform the station into a modern transportation hub capable of handling growing passenger volumes.
The foundation stone for the ₹456 crore project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022, with initial work starting in early 2023. However, progress stalled due to a legal dispute with the original contractor. According to Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra, the legal issues have been resolved, paving the way for construction to accelerate.
The redeveloped Visakhapatnam Junction will feature a total of 14 platforms, a significant increase from the current number. The expansion is designed to accommodate an estimated 75,000 passengers daily and alleviate congestion.
“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,” Bohra told The Hindu.
In addition to the increased platform capacity, a revised plan is under consideration to designate Visakhapatnam Junction as a terminal station. This proposal includes the addition of six new platforms and extensive yard remodelling to streamline train movements. Two of the new platforms are specifically designed for the Vande Bharat Express, and a coach maintenance depot will also be established in Visakhapatnam to service these trains.
Visakhapatnam Junction has been a key revenue generator for the East Coast Railway, consistently ranking as the top earner. The redevelopment project is expected to further enhance the station’s capacity and efficiency, benefiting both passengers and the railway system. The improvements are welcome news for the residents of Visakhapatnam, who have long advocated for improved infrastructure at the station.
First Piper 