India’s mobility needs are undergoing a structural shift. Rapid urbanisation, rising incomes, increased intercity movement, and sustained demand for affordable mass transport are putting unprecedented pressure on the country’s rail network. Responding to this challenge, Indian Railways has unveiled an ambitious and forward-looking plan to double the originating train capacity of 48 major cities over the next five years, with the full impact expected by 2030. This initiative marks one of the most significant capacity augmentation efforts in the history of the national transporter.
Responding to Surging Passenger Demand
Indian Railways carries millions of passengers every day, serving as the backbone of long-distance and regional travel. In recent years, demand for passenger services has grown consistently, particularly from metropolitan and tier-one cities that act as major travel hubs. Festivals, tourism, business travel, and migration for education and employment have all contributed to increasing pressure on existing infrastructure.
Acknowledging this reality, the Ministry of Railways has stated that current infrastructure will be comprehensively augmented to meet future requirements. Rather than waiting for a single end-date outcome, the capacity expansion is designed to be progressive, ensuring that benefits are realised immediately and continue to build year after year.
A Phased and Structured Capacity Plan
The capacity enhancement programme is structured around clearly defined phases. Actions are being classified into immediate, short-term, and long-term measures, allowing for prioritisation and efficient execution. This phased approach reflects a practical understanding of operational constraints while maintaining momentum towards long-term goals.
Indian Railways has emphasised that the proposed plans must be specific, time-bound, and outcome-driven. Each railway zone is expected to prepare detailed submissions for identified stations, ensuring that both terminal and sectional capacities are addressed holistically.
Focus on 48 Strategic Cities
The expansion plan covers 48 major cities across the country, including metropolitan centres, industrial hubs, pilgrimage destinations, and fast-growing regional cities. The names of targeted cities are - Delhi, Mumbai
CR, WR, Kolkata
ER, SER, Metro, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Amdavad, Patna, Lucknow, NR, NER, Pune, Nagpur
CR, SECR, Varanasi
NR, NER, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Ayodhya, Agra, Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jn, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Jammu, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Vadodara, Surat, Madgaon, Cochin, Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Vishakhapatnam, Vijaywada, Tirupati, Haridwar, Guwahati, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Mysore, Coimbatore, Tatanagar, Ranchi, Raipur and Bareilly.
These locations currently originate a large number of passenger trains and serve as critical nodes in the national rail network.
By targeting these cities, Indian Railways aims to ease congestion, improve punctuality, and enable the introduction of new train services. The initiative is also expected to reduce operational bottlenecks that often ripple across multiple divisions due to terminal constraints at major origin points.
Infrastructure Augmentation at the Core
At the heart of the plan lies extensive infrastructure development. Existing terminals will be augmented through the construction of additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and improved shunting facilities. These upgrades are essential to accommodate a higher volume of originating and terminating trains without compromising safety or efficiency.
In parallel, Indian Railways is identifying locations for new terminals in and around urban areas. Such satellite terminals can significantly decongest central stations, improve passenger experience, and optimise train operations. The development of mega coaching complexes and modern maintenance facilities will further strengthen operational readiness.
Enhancing Sectional and Network Capacity
Doubling originating capacity is not limited to terminal expansion alone. The Railways has rightly recognised that increased train origination must be supported by enhanced sectional capacity. This includes traffic facility works, advanced signalling upgrades, and multitracking on critical routes.
By addressing capacity constraints at stations, yards, and along busy corridors, Indian Railways aims to create a more resilient and flexible network. This integrated approach ensures that additional trains can run smoothly without creating downstream congestion.
Economic and Industrial Implications
Beyond passenger convenience, this expansion has far-reaching implications for the railway industry and the broader economy. Large-scale infrastructure works will generate demand for rolling stock, signalling systems, track components, construction services, and digital solutions. This presents significant opportunities for domestic manufacturers, suppliers, and technology providers.
The initiative also aligns with national objectives such as infrastructure-led growth, employment generation, and enhanced connectivity. Improved rail capacity supports regional development, boosts tourism, and strengthens supply chains by facilitating faster and more reliable movement of people.
A Vision for the Future of Rail Travel
The plan to double originating train capacity reflects Indian Railways’ evolving vision as a modern, customer-focused transport organisation. By proactively planning for future demand rather than reacting to congestion, the Railways is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth over the coming decades.
Successful implementation will require close coordination between railway zones, urban authorities, industry stakeholders, and policymakers. Transparent timelines, timely approvals, and consistent funding will be key to translating this vision into tangible outcomes.
Join the Conversation on Rail Capacity and Growth
As Indian Railways embarks on this transformative journey, stakeholder engagement and informed dialogue become more important than ever. We invite readers to share their views, insights, and expectations on this landmark capacity expansion initiative.
The Chamber of Railway Industries welcomes professionals, organisations, and experts from across the rail ecosystem to join us for knowledge exchange, policy discussions, and collaborative thought leadership. Become part of the Rail Chamber community to engage with domain experts and contribute to shaping the future of India’s railway sector.
Your feedback and participation can help drive meaningful progress for the industry and the nation.
