In a first for the East Coast Railway (ECoR) zone, a sleeping pod facility—also known as a capsule hotel, was inaugurated on 10 July, at Visakhapatnam railway station, catering to transit passengers, tourists, and solo women travellers.

The facility, set up near Gate No. 3 on Platform No. 1, includes 73 single beds, 15 double beds, and 18 beds for women, each in dedicated spaces with separate washrooms and a dressing room. Implemented on a pilot basis by the Waltair Division, the initiative addresses the increasing demand for short-stay accommodations among passengers visiting the city for medical, educational, and employment purposes.

The project was awarded to Sri Mahalakshmi Agency via a five-year e-auction contract. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, round-the-clock hot water, an in-house snack bar, and a travel desk. The tariff for a single bed is Rs 200 for three hours and Rs 400 for up to 24 hours, while a double bed costs Rs 300 for three hours and Rs 600 for 24 hours. Waltair DRM Lalit Bohra confirmed that the facility is open to both bona fide passengers and other visitors based on availability.

Station redevelopment, including metro-rail integration, is also underway.