New Delhi: In response to sustained growth in passenger travel demand, Indian Railways has outlined a comprehensive plan to double its originating train capacity across 48 major cities by the year 2030.
The initiative aims to strengthen existing infrastructure and ease congestion at busy terminals while progressively delivering benefits over the next five years.
To achieve the target of doubling originating train capacity, Indian Railways has proposed a series of infrastructure and operational upgrades.
These include the expansion of existing terminals through the addition of new platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and enhanced shunting facilities. Alongside this, new terminals will be identified and developed in and around major urban centres to distribute train operations more efficiently.
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Indian Railways Originating Train Capacity Expansion Plan
The capacity enhancement roadmap also includes the development of advanced maintenance infrastructure such as mega coaching complexes.
In parallel, sectional capacity will be increased through traffic facility works, signalling upgrades, and multi-tracking projects to accommodate higher train volumes across critical rail corridors.
While expanding terminal capacity, Indian Railways will also focus on nearby stations to ensure balanced traffic distribution.
For instance, in Pune, stations such as Hadapsar, Khadki, and Alandi have been identified for capacity enhancement alongside platform expansion and additional stabling lines at Pune station itself.
The plan covers both suburban and non-suburban rail traffic, recognising the distinct operational requirements of each segment.
Originating Train Capacity: City-Wise Comprehensive Plan
A city-wise comprehensive plan for all 48 major cities will be submitted to the Planning Directorate, detailing works that are planned, proposed, or already sanctioned to meet the objective of doubling train handling capacity within defined timelines.
Although the overall goal is set for 2030, Indian Railways expects capacity to increase progressively over the next five years.
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Originating Train Capacity Augmentation
This phased approach will allow the benefits of capacity augmentation to be realised immediately, helping meet rising traffic demand year after year. Actions under the plan will be categorised as immediate, short-term, and long-term.
In a letter addressed to the General Managers of all Zonal Railways, Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, emphasised that the proposed plans must be specific, outcome-oriented, and supported by clear timelines.
He noted that while the exercise focuses on identified stations, Zonal Railways must also work towards increasing train handling capacity across divisions by addressing sectional constraints, yard limitations, and operational bottlenecks holistically.
