New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) – Indian Railways is set to enhance its originating train capacity in 48 prominent cities across the nation by 2030, responding to the soaring travel demand, as per an official statement released on Friday.

The planned infrastructure expansion involves upgrading existing terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and sufficient shunting facilities. Moreover, the identification and establishment of new terminals in urban areas will also be prioritized.

Maintenance facilities development is on the agenda, with plans for mega coaching complexes and enhancements in sectional capacity through traffic facility works, signaling upgrades, and multitracking to cater to the increased train frequency at various points, stated the report.

In considering terminal capacity enhancements, stations surrounding terminals will also be evaluated to maintain a balanced capacity. For instance, cities like Pune are looking at Hadapsar, Khadki, and Alandi for capacity improvements alongside increasing platforms and stabling lines at Pune station, the statement elaborated.

This initiative will address both suburban and non-suburban traffic, acknowledging the unique needs of each segment. A comprehensive strategy for the 48 major cities will be prepared for submission to the Planning Directorate. This plan will encompass all proposed, planned, or sanctioned works aimed at achieving the objective of doubling train handling capacity within a specified timeframe.

The selected 48 stations comprise major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, as well as state capitals like Patna, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Guwahati. Other significant cities such as Varanasi, Agra, Puri, Cochin, Coimbatore, Vadodra, Surat, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Vishakhapatnam, Tirupati, Coimbatore, Vijayawada, and Mysuru are also included.

“Though the goal is to double the capacity by 2030, it is anticipated that capacity enhancements will progressively occur over the next five years, allowing immediate benefits from these additions. This initiative is designed to meet traffic demands over the years. Actions will be categorized into immediate, short-term, and long-term,” mentioned the statement.

In a communication to the General Managers of all Zonal Railways, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar emphasized that the proposed plan must be detailed, with explicit timelines and defined outcomes. While focusing on specific stations, each Zonal Railway should also strategize to enhance train handling capacity throughout their divisions, ensuring improvements in terminal capacity, sectional capacity, and addressing operational constraints at stations and yards effectively.