Indian Railways has unveiled plans to double the capacity of originating trains in 48 major cities across the country by the year 2030, aiming to address the rising demand for rail travel and ease congestion at busy stations, the Government of India said on Friday.
In a press release Ministry of Railways said the rapid and sustained growth in travel demand necessitates a significant expansion of current rail infrastructure to ensure efficient and seamless service for passengers.
According to the release, a comprehensive plan will be developed to augment originating capacity through a range of infrastructure upgrades. These include adding new platforms, expanding stabling lines and pit lines, and improving shunting and maintenance facilities at existing terminals. The plan also proposes the identification and creation of new terminal facilities in and around urban areas to support future growth.
Railways officials said efforts to increase sectional capacity — including signalling upgrades, multitracking and traffic facility improvements — will be synchronised with terminal expansions. The strategy is expected to ease congestion not only at main stations but also across surrounding networks that feed into these hubs.
The plan will be rolled out in phases. While the target is to achieve the full doubling of originating train capacity by 2030, components of the expansion are expected to be completed earlier to deliver immediate relief to passengers and operators.
In a communication to senior railway officials, Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, stressed that each zonal railway should outline clear timelines and defined outcomes for the planned works. He emphasised that the approach must balance immediate needs with medium- and long-term goals to ensure sustained passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Industry observers say the expansion will support the government’s broader agenda of enhancing connectivity, supporting economic activity, and improving public transport infrastructure in fast-growing urban and peri-urban regions. The move is likely to benefit daily commuters, long-distance travellers and freight movement by reducing bottlenecks at key junctions.
