As reported by The Indian Express, these ‘Mega Coaching Terminals’ will be developed in 20 carefully chosen cities that exhibit substantial demand for both incoming and outgoing trains. Key locations for these terminals include prominent cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
A mega coaching terminal is currently being built in Ahmedabad, which will allow the city to accommodate approximately 150 trains, an increase from the existing 45. Additionally, another terminal is in the pipeline for Surat.
During his recent visit to Ahmedabad, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw remarked that key stations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad are experiencing considerable demand for new train services.
“In Gujarat, both Ahmedabad and Surat show the highest demand. To tackle this and improve operational capacity, a Mega Coaching Terminal will be established at Vatva, featuring 10 pit lines. This will create capacity for about 45 more trains, enabling Ahmedabad to manage nearly 150 trains in total,” he noted.
He also mentioned that Ahmedabad station will gain three additional platforms, further enhancing its train handling capability. “All platforms will be interconnected via a concourse roof plaza, and the construction of the elevated road is proceeding rapidly. This will connect both ends of the station through the concourse, elevated road, and foot overbridges,” the minister elaborated.
Earlier in May, the Railway Board approved a final location survey (FLS) for a proposed mega coaching terminal near Devanahalli, aimed at alleviating congestion in Bengaluru’s rail network. South Western Railway (SWR) announced a ₹1.35 crore survey to tackle the overcrowding in Bengaluru’s railway infrastructure and cater to the increasing demand for passenger services, as reported by The Hindu.
