Indian Railways to Expand Facilities in 49 Cities Including Indore and Bhopal

Target to Double Train Operational Capacity Over the Next Five Years

Indian Railways has announced an ambitious plan to double the operational capacity of train services in major cities across the country over the next five years. The initiative aims to meet the rapidly growing passenger demand, reduce congestion, and enhance nationwide connectivity.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that the expansion of coaching terminals and operational capacity will significantly improve traffic flow at busy stations. Zonal railways have been directed to propose short-term and medium-term measures to achieve early benefits.

Key Objectives of the Capacity Expansion Plan (Target Year: 2030)

• Upgrading existing terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and adequate shunting facilities.
• Identifying and constructing new terminals in and around urban areas.
• Developing maintenance infrastructure, including mega coaching complexes.
• Enhancing sectional capacity through traffic facility works, signaling upgrades, and multi-tracking to handle an increasing number of trains.

While planning terminal expansion, surrounding stations will also be considered to ensure balanced capacity development. For example, in Pune, apart from expanding Pune station itself, capacity enhancement is planned at nearby stations such as Hadapsar, Khadki, and Alandi.

This process will cover both suburban and non-suburban traffic, keeping in mind the unique operational requirements of each segment. A comprehensive plan covering 48–49 major cities is currently under consideration, with a detailed list of cities attached internally by the Railways.

Phased Implementation Strategy

Although the ultimate goal is to double capacity by 2030, Indian Railways expects to achieve progressive capacity enhancement over the next five years so that the benefits can be realized immediately. The projects will be categorized into:

• Immediate works
• Short-term works
• Long-term works

Each proposed project will have clearly defined outcomes and timelines. While the focus is on specific high-traffic stations, all zonal railways have been instructed to plan capacity enhancements across their divisions. This includes addressing sectional bottlenecks, yard constraints, and operational limitations, not just terminal capacity.

Minister’s Statement

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “We are expanding coaching terminals and increasing sectional and operational capacities in multiple cities to meet growing passenger demand and reduce congestion. This initiative will modernize our railway network and significantly improve nationwide connectivity.”