Sleep Easy: Vizag Station Gets ECoR's First Capsule Hotel

In a first for the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone, a sleeping pod facility—modeled on the capsule hotel concept—was inaugurated on July 10 at Visakhapatnam railway station. Designed to cater to transit passengers, tourists, and solo women travellers, the facility aims to provide affordable, short-stay accommodations within the station premises.

Located near Gate No. 3 on Platform No. 1, the facility includes 73 single pods, 15 double pods, and 18 pods exclusively for women, along with dedicated washrooms and a dressing area. Introduced as a pilot initiative by the Waltair Division, the project addresses rising demand from passengers visiting Visakhapatnam for medical, educational, and employment purposes.

Awarded to Sri Mahalakshmi Agency under a five-year e-auction contract, the sleeping pod facility offers modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, 24x7 hot water, an in-house snack bar, and a travel desk. Tariffs are priced at ₹200 for three hours and ₹400 for 24 hours for a single pod, while double pods are available at ₹300 and ₹600 for the same durations. Waltair Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra confirmed that the facility is open to both confirmed passengers and general visitors, subject to availability.

The launch coincides with broader station redevelopment efforts at Visakhapatnam, including integration with the upcoming metro rail network.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.