Ministry of Railways has announced plans to develop Mega Coaching Terminals across 20 major cities in India. The initiative is aimed at easing congestion at existing stations, enhancing train-handling capacity, and supporting the rising demand for passenger movement in rapidly growing urban centres.
According to officials, the new terminals will be strategically located in key urban regions such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad — cities that handle some of the highest passenger volumes in the country. These upcoming facilities are expected to function as independent hubs equipped with advanced maintenance, cleaning, and dispatch facilities, thereby allowing smoother and faster train operations. Currently, one such terminal is under construction in Ahmedabad’s Vatva area. Once completed, it will substantially increase the city’s train-handling capacity from 45 to nearly 150 trains. Designed with 10 pit lines, the project is expected to serve as a model for similar facilities nationwide. An official explained that this expansion is particularly critical for high-demand corridors such as those in Gujarat, where both Ahmedabad and Surat experience significant operational pressure due to a surge in passenger and freight movement.
Industry experts noted that the Mega Coaching Terminals project is aligned with the Indian Railways’ broader goal of infrastructure modernisation and capacity augmentation. As India continues its transition towards a more urbanised and mobile society, such projects are crucial for ensuring reliable, efficient, and sustainable public transport. Beyond operational efficiency, the upcoming terminals are expected to incorporate eco-friendly design elements, including rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and waste management systems. A senior official said that sustainability features will be integrated to align with India’s larger climate goals and to reduce the carbon footprint of transport infrastructure.
Experts also suggest that the decentralisation of train origin points could improve last-mile connectivity and help decongest major metropolitan terminals. This could reduce waiting times for passengers and improve punctuality across the network. The expansion marks an important chapter in Indian Railways’ long-term vision to enhance mobility for a “Viksit Bharat” — a developed and inclusive India — while ensuring that the infrastructure growth remains resilient and environmentally conscious.
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