Vizag Central Jail Struggles with Double Capacity Inmates

Visakhapatnam Central Jail is grappling with severe overcrowding, with 2,076 inmates currently housed in a facility designed for only 950. Officials revealed that this overcrowding has significantly impacted supervision and the provision of facilities. Of the current inmates, only 440 are convicted prisoners, while the remaining are under trial.

A prisoner recently complained to his family about the cramped conditions, prompting a protest outside the jail by his relatives. In response, authorities have initiated arrangements to transfer 200 inmates to Rajahmundry Central Jail.

The prison comprises 16 barracks, which collectively accommodate up to 950 inmates. However, the surge in arrests—primarily due to intensified police action against marijuana-related offenses—has strained capacity. Officials disclosed that 1,145 of the inmates are remand prisoners in marijuana cases.
Staff Shortage and Infrastructure Issues

The jail currently operates with only 90 staff members, far below the required 150. Officials have requested an additional 30 staff to manage the workload effectively. The lack of adequate personnel has made monitoring inmates a significant challenge.

To address the capacity crisis, the Union Home Ministry has approved ₹26 crores for constructing an additional building within the jail premises. The state government has also allocated ₹15 crores for an open jail facility and ₹75 lakhs for security enhancements. These measures are expected to accommodate 250 additional inmates.

Despite these efforts, officials noted that over 40 prisoners eligible for release under remission have been awaiting action for three years due to delays in publishing the remission list.