Amid strong growth in passenger travel demand, Indian Railways has drawn up an ambitious infrastructure upgradation plan to double originating train capacity at Bhubaneswar, Puri and Visakhapatnam under the East Coast Railway (ECoR) by 2030. Under the comprehensive plan, railway infrastructure in the three cities will be significantly augmented over the next five years to cater to rising passenger volumes, decongest existing terminals and improve operational efficiency. The strategy includes terminal expansion, development of new satellite stations, creation of large-scale maintenance facilities and strengthening of sectional capacity through modern signalling systems and multi-tracking works. ECoR sources said the focus is on augmenting existing terminals with additional passenger platforms, stabling lines, pit lines and improved shunting facilities, while also developing new terminals in and around urban centres to distribute traffic more evenly. Special emphasis is being placed on setting up mega coaching complexes and modern maintenance depots to support expanded train operations. Sectional capacity is also being enhanced through traffic facility works, signalling upgrades, flyovers, bypass lines and the addition of new tracks to ensure smoother handling of higher train volumes. To support the expansion, several projects are under way, including automatic block signalling and flyovers in Puri; pit line electrification, safety fencing, fourth-line works and bypass surveys in Bhubaneswar; and multiple third, fourth, fifth and sixth lines, flyovers and bypass projects in Visakhapatnam. Nearby stations are being factored into the planning process to ensure balanced network capacity and avoid operational bottlenecks. The capacity-doubling initiative forms part of a nationwide plan covering 48 major cities identified by Indian Railways. At Puri, two additional full-length integrated pit lines are under construction, which will supplement the existing six pit lines. The entire coaching maintenance facility is proposed to be shifted to a second coaching terminal depot on the sanctioned Puri–Konark new line, for which a final location survey has been proposed. A large-scale coaching complex is also planned on this alignment to cater to future traffic growth, especially during peak pilgrimage and tourist seasons. Bhubaneswar railway station is being developed as a satellite coaching terminal, supported by a maintenance facility with two pit lines at Mancheswar and dedicated rail connectivity. Given space constraints within the city, additional depots and support infrastructure are planned in nearby areas to reduce pressure on the existing station and yard. In Visakhapatnam, a detailed project report for extensive yard modification is under consideration by the Railway Board. The proposal includes five additional lines, six new passenger platforms, ten stabling lines and the introduction of electronic interlocking to improve safety and operational flexibility. Jagannadhapuram station on the proposed Kottavalasa–Anakapalle bypass line is also planned as a mega coaching maintenance depot and large-scale complex, operating as a satellite station for the city. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said the initiative reflects Indian Railways’ push towards future-ready infrastructure. He noted that expanding coaching terminals and enhancing sectional and operational capacities will help meet rising passenger demand, reduce congestion and improve nationwide connectivity.