Vizag Station Opens First Capsule Hotel
New facility offers budget-friendly stays at station
Visakhapatnam: A capsule hotel featuring sleeping pods has been inaugurated at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, marking the first facility of its kind in the East Coast Railway (ECoR) Zone.
The innovative aim is to provide affordable and comfortable lodging for passengers travelling for medical treatment, tourism, and education.
Divisional railway manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra announced during a press conference on Thursday that the modern facility addresses the growing demand for budget-friendly accommodation in the city, where existing hotels are often overbooked or priced beyond reach for many travellers. He said anyone who is not travelling through railways can access these rooms on an hourly basis.
The capsule hotel, located on the first floor of Platform No. 1 at Gate No. 3, houses 88 sleeping pods comprising 73 single beds and 15 double beds. A dedicated section with 18 beds has been reserved exclusively for women passengers, complete with separate bathrooms and dressing rooms.
The facility offers amenities including free WiFi, a 24-hour hot water supply, an in-house snack bar, a travel desk for tourist assistance, spacious bathrooms, and modern toilet facilities.
Single bed occupancy costs Rs 200 for up to three hours and Rs 400 for three to 24 hours. Double beds are priced at Rs 300 for up to three hours and Rs 600 for extended stays up to 24 hours.
"There is consistent demand for accommodation facilities from passengers visiting for medical treatment, tourism, and education. Most of the time, existing accommodations are either over-occupied or remain at high prices," the DRM explained.
The DRM revealed plans to connect Visakhapatnam Railway Station with the upcoming metro railway project. The connection will be facilitated through a 72-metre air corridor, enhancing seamless connectivity between rail and metro networks.
The DRM highlighted that redevelopment works are progressing across the zone. Recent achievements include the installation of a 3D-printed gate in Gunti, Manyam district. He also announced the future plans, which include constructing protective fencing along the Duvvadu to Palasa line to enhance track security and safety.