In a major push to modernize its network and address growing passenger demand, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has unveiled an ambitious five-year plan. The cornerstone of this strategy is to double the train originating capacity from three key hubs: Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Visakhapatnam.
Addressing Surging Passenger Demand
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the expansion is a direct response to the sustained increase in rail travel. The primary goals are to expand coaching terminals, enhance operational capacities in major cities under the ECoR zone, and ultimately reduce congestion. This initiative is part of a broader national plan to strengthen connectivity across India.
Officials from the East Coast Railway confirmed that the current infrastructure in these cities is being significantly augmented to meet future requirements. The target is to achieve this doubled capacity by the year 2030, aligning with the national railway's vision for 48 major cities.
City-Specific Infrastructure Overhaul
The plan involves detailed, location-specific upgrades for each of the three cities:
In Puri, the work includes the construction of two new full-length integrated pit lines to add to the existing six. A more substantial shift is planned, with the entire coaching maintenance facility proposed to be relocated to a new second coaching terminal depot. This new depot will be situated on the sanctioned Puri-Konark new line and is envisioned as a large-scale coaching complex.
For Bhubaneswar, the upcoming new Bhubaneswar station is being developed as a satellite coaching terminal. It will feature a maintenance facility with two pit lines at Mancheswar and have dedicated connectivity. Due to space limitations in the city core, new depots are also being proposed in nearby areas to support the expanded operations.
The Visakhapatnam transformation is perhaps the most extensive. The Railway Board is currently reviewing a detailed project report (DPR) for major yard modifications. The proposed changes include adding five new lines, constructing six additional passenger platforms, and creating ten stabling lines, all supported by an electronic interlocking system. Furthermore, the Jaganadhpuram station on the proposed Kottavalasa-Anakapalle bypass line is being planned as a mega coaching maintenance depot and large-scale complex to function as a satellite station.
Comprehensive Capacity Enhancement Projects
Beyond the terminal expansions, the East Coast Railway is executing multiple projects to enhance sectional capacity across its network. These include:
- Automatic block signalling and flyover construction in the Puri region.
- Pit line electrification, safety fencing, fourth-line projects, and bypass surveys in the Bhubaneswar area.
- A series of third, fourth, fifth, and sixth line projects, along with new flyovers and bypasses in the Visakhapatnam area.
This multi-pronged approach ensures that not only the origin points but also the connecting routes are upgraded to handle the increased frequency and volume of train services smoothly and safely.
