Vizag station to get a facelift!

The Visakhapatnam Railway Station is bracing for a complete makeover and matching up with the world-class standards. In tune with the major station redevelopment exercise, the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has invited bids at an estimated cost of Rs 450 crore and, in all likelihood, the submission of bids would be done by next month. Once the tender finalisation is completed, the station makeover project would be taken up on engineering procurement and construction mode, sticking to strict timelines that extend up to three years. From a well-designed horizon, that enhances seamless passenger movement to a spacious roof plaza of 108-m width with all amenities in place along with dedicated spaces for merchandise, cafeterias, recreational zones, and multi-level car parking (MLCP) near two entry points and an Internet-of-Things-based smart parking system, the iconic station building that is set to highlight local art and culture will be redeveloped with an overall built-up area of 35,425 sq m approximately. In the days to come, Visakhapatnam Railway Station will be the much-sought-after haven endowed with world-class features for travellers and is certain to accentuate the 'feel good factor as soon as one steps into the premises. Even if the train gets delayed or some of the supplies were missed in the last-minute packing, the upgraded railway station would provide state-of-the-art amenities for the passengers to access while relaxing and unwinding before boarding the train.