The Ministry of Railways is rolling up their sleeves to set up the Mega Coaching Terminals in 20 cities across the country with the aim to boost train-handling capacity.
Mega Coaching Terminals Planned in 20 High-Demand Cities
The primary aim behind this move is to ensure smoother train operations, especially during the festivals and peak travel seasons such as winter and summer.
It shall be in the 20 selected cities where the demand for both arriving and departing trains is high, that these ‘Mega Coaching Terminals’ shall be developed. It will be key stations in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
Currently, one such edifice is already under construction in Ahmedabad. At the moment, around 45 trains originate from Ahmedabad, but with the new facility, this number is projected to rise to nearly 150 in the coming years. Another dedicated mega coaching terminal is planned to be built in Surat.
Mega Coaching Terminal at Vatva to Boost Ahmedabad’s Train Capacity to 150
Railway Minister Ashwini Vasihnaw, during his Ahmedabad visit last week said that “…major stations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad receive high demand for new trains. In Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Surat face the highest demand. To address this and enhance operational capacity, a Mega Coaching Terminal will be developed at Vatva, where 10 pit lines will be built. This will add capacity for about 45 additional trains, enabling Ahmedabad to operate nearly 150 trains in total.”
The minister also added that Ahmedabad station will get three additional platforms, enhancing its train-handling capacity.
He said that “All platforms will be connected through a concourse roof plaza, and construction of the elevated road is also progressing at a fast pace. This will link both ends of the station through the concourse, elevated road, and foot overbridges”.
Summary
The Ministry of Railways will develop Mega Coaching Terminals in 20 high-demand cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, to increase train-handling capacity, especially during peak seasons. Ahmedabad’s facility at Vatva, with 10 pit lines, will raise originating trains from 45 to nearly 150; Surat will also get one. Ahmedabad station will gain three platforms, a concourse roof plaza and improved connectivity.
