In a first-of-its-kind initiative within the East Coast Railway (ECoR) Zone, the Waltair Division has introduced a capsule hotel (sleeping pod) facility at Visakhapatnam railway station. This facility is designed to provide passengers with affordable, comfortable, and convenient short-stay accommodation—particularly benefiting those visiting the city for medical, educational, tourism, or work-related purposes.
Implemented under the non-fare revenue model, the project has been awarded to Sri Mahalakshmi Agency through an e-auction for a tenure of five years.
Located on the first floor near Gate No. 3 on Platform No. 1, the facility features 88 capsule beds—73 single and 15 double pods. A dedicated hall with 18 beds has been set aside exclusively for women, equipped with separate bathrooms and a dressing area. The pods have been ergonomically designed to suit solo travellers, families, and passengers in transit.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, 24/7 hot water, a snacks bar, a travel desk for tourist assistance, a secure locker system, and well-maintained, spacious washrooms. Though bathrooms are shared, separate facilities have been arranged for men and women.
The pricing structure is budget-friendly: a single pod costs ₹200 for up to 3 hours and ₹400 for stays between 3 and 24 hours. Double pods are priced at ₹300 for up to 3 hours and INR 600 for a full-day stay. The initiative aims to offer clean, safe, and reasonably priced accommodation within the station premises.
Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra stated that the initiative has been introduced on a pilot basis. “If the response is encouraging, similar facilities will be considered at other stations in Waltair Division,” he said. (Picture courtesy: Deccan Chronicle)
