New Delhi: In a major move to strengthen train operations and accommodate rising passenger demand, the Ministry of Railways has announced plans to develop Mega Coaching Terminals in 20 cities across India. The initiative is designed to streamline train handling, particularly during peak travel periods such as festivals, winter vacations, and summer holidays.
The proposed terminals will be established at major stations in high-traffic cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, where the demand for train services both arrivals and departures is exceptionally high. These state-of-the-art facilities aim to significantly increase train-handling capacity, reduce delays, and improve passenger convenience.
One such terminal is already under construction in Ahmedabad. Currently, about 45 trains originate from the city, but with the new facility, this number is expected to rise to nearly 150 over the coming years. Another dedicated Mega Coaching Terminal is planned in Surat to meet growing demand in Gujarat.
Speaking during a visit to Ahmedabad, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Stations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad face immense pressure due to high demand for new trains. To address this, a Mega Coaching Terminal will be developed at Vatva, Ahmedabad, featuring 10 pit lines. This facility alone will enable operations of about 45 additional trains, increasing Ahmedabad’s total train capacity to nearly 150.”
The development plan also includes significant upgrades to Ahmedabad station itself. Three new platforms are set to be added, which will be integrated via a concourse roof plaza and elevated roads connecting both ends of the station. Foot overbridges will further enhance passenger movement, ensuring seamless access across all platforms.
With these Mega Coaching Terminals, Indian Railways is poised to transform train operations in the country’s busiest corridors, enabling faster, more efficient service for millions of passengers every year.