In a major push to tackle ever-growing passenger numbers, the Eastern Railway has charted an ambitious five-year blueprint aimed at doubling the train-originating capacity of key cities under its network. This strategic move is part of a nationwide initiative to expand coaching terminals and alleviate severe congestion at major urban rail hubs across India.
Addressing the Infrastructure Strain
Railway officials have observed that existing terminal facilities are under tremendous pressure due to a consistent spike in both suburban and long-distance travel. To counter this, the Eastern Railway will not only augment current terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and better shunting facilities but also identify and develop new terminals in and around urban clusters. The comprehensive plan includes building mega coaching complexes for maintenance.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the plan's significance, stating, "We're expanding coaching terminals in key cities to meet rising passenger demand and reduce congestion. This move will upgrade the railway network and significantly improve nationwide connectivity."
Kolkata and Bhagalpur as Key Focus Areas
For the Eastern Railway, Kolkata and Bhagalpur have been pinpointed as primary cities for this expansion drive. Within the Kolkata region, the bustling hubs of Howrah and Sealdah are top priorities for capacity enhancement. The strategy encompasses both suburban and non-suburban services, acknowledging their different operational needs.
A detailed, time-bound master plan covering 48 major Indian cities is being finalized. Projects are categorized into immediate, short-term, and long-term phases to ensure benefits are realized progressively. Capacity building will extend beyond just terminal stations. Critical rail corridors will see strengthened sectional capacity through:
- Traffic facility works
- Advanced signalling upgrades
- Multi-tracking at crucial stretches
Stations surrounding major terminals will also be upgraded to ensure balanced growth and smoother operations.
Sealdah Division's Major Infrastructure Overhaul
The Sealdah Division has a concrete set of works planned to handle the projected doubling of passenger traffic by 2030. The proposed line and yard improvements are extensive:
New Stabling Lines:
- Four lines at Sealdah (Woodgola) siding
- Six lines at Belgharia
- Four lines at Kalyani
- Additional lines at Krishnanagar City, Canning, and Diamond Harbour
New Loop and Additional Lines: New loop lines are planned at Kulpi, Lalgola, and Gede, while an extra line will be added at Bangaon.
Yard Remodelling: This is scheduled for 13 stations, including Krishnanagar City Junction, Bangaon, Barrackpore, and Diamond Harbour.
Major Line-Capacity Projects:
- Doubling of the Ranaghat–Bangaon section
- Construction of third lines between Ranaghat–Krishnanagar City and Kalyani–Ranaghat
Signalling Modernisation: Automatic signalling systems will be deployed on busy suburban sections like Lake Gardens–Budge Budge, Baruipur–Diamond Harbour, Sonarpur–Canning, and Ranaghat–Krishnanagar City.
Furthermore, dedicated stabling, maintenance, and overhaul facilities are being established in Kolkata specifically for Vande Bharat trains to ensure their safe, efficient, and reliable operations originating from the Sealdah Division.
