Indian Railways plans to double train capacity in next five years
Indian Railways is planning to double the number of trains starting from major cities in the next five years. This is to handle more passengers and reduce crowding. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “We’re expanding coaching terminals, enhancing sectional and operational capacities in various cities to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestion.
This move will upgrade our railway network and improve nationwide connectivity. The strategy focuses on augmenting existing infrastructure and developing new facilities by 2030. Ten stations under Northern Railway are earmarked for upgrades: New Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jammu, Haridwar and Bareilly.
The plan categorises interventions into immediate, short-term and long-term phases, ensuring progressive capacity gains to meet evolving traffic needs. Highlighting specific projects, the redevelopment of New Delhi Station involves constructing two new buildings with a built-up area of 109,000 sqm-replacing the existing 17,274 sqm structures.
Designed to handle seven lakh passengers daily (up from four lakh), the revamped station will feature expanded holding areas, aprons, retail spaces, parking and seamless integration with metro and city transport. Jammu Tawi Station will gain additional pit lines, four platforms and seven stabling lines for smoother operations and maintenance.
Bareilly Junction’s yard remodeling will enable handling of 24-coach trains, with improved sick and pit lines. “We’re expanding coaching terminals and enhancing capacities to meet rising demand and reduce congestion,” said Vaishnaw. “This will upgrade our network and improve connectivity across India.” The initiative aligns with sustained travel growth, promising immediate benefits through phased implementation.
