New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways is preparing to establish Mega Coaching Terminals in 20 major cities across India to expand train-handling capacity and ensure smoother operations during high-demand periods such as festivals and seasonal rushes, according to a report by The Indian Express.
These new facilities will come up in key railway hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, which experience some of the highest train traffic in the country. Construction of one such terminal has already begun in Ahmedabad.
Currently, around 45 trains originate from Ahmedabad, but this number is projected to rise to nearly 150 once the new terminal becomes functional. The project aims to reduce congestion at existing stations and improve turnaround times for trains, particularly in cities that serve as critical nodes in the national rail network.
During his recent visit to Ahmedabad, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Major stations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad receive high demand for new trains. In Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Surat face the highest demand. To address this and enhance operational capacity, a Mega Coaching Terminal will be developed at Vatva, where 10 pit lines will be built. This will add capacity for about 45 additional trains, enabling Ahmedabad to operate nearly 150 trains in total.”
Vaishnaw also announced that three new platforms would be added to Ahmedabad railway station to further strengthen its capacity. “All platforms will be connected through a concourse roof plaza, and construction of the elevated road is progressing at a fast pace. This will link both ends of the station through the concourse, elevated road, and foot overbridges,” he said.
The initiative to develop Mega Coaching Terminals marks a major effort by Indian Railways to modernise its infrastructure and manage increasing passenger demand more efficiently. Once completed, these terminals are expected to play a key role in improving the punctuality, maintenance, and overall management of trains across the network.
BI Bureau
