Guwahati, 27 December (HS):

Indian Railways has launched an ambitious nationwide capacity augmentation initiative aimed at doubling the originating capacity of trains at 48 major cities by 2030 to meet the rapidly growing passenger demand. The plan focuses on systematic expansion of coaching terminals, development of new terminals, creation of maintenance facilities and enhancement of sectional capacity to decongest major hubs and improve operational efficiency.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said Indian Railways is undertaking comprehensive planning to expand terminal infrastructure and sectional capacity in major cities to cater to future travel requirements. He emphasised that the initiative would enhance train handling capability, improve punctuality and provide greater convenience to passengers while supporting the long-term growth of the railway network.

Guwahati, the gateway to the Northeast and headquarters of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), occupies a crucial position in the region’s rail network. Guwahati Railway Station handles around 49,000 passengers daily, a figure that rises to nearly 65,000 during peak seasons, with more than 200 trains operating each day.

To meet the growing demand, NFR is implementing multiple capacity enhancement projects in and around Guwahati. The Kamakhya–New Guwahati third line project, spanning 5.74 km at a cost of ₹467 crore, is a key infrastructure initiative aimed at easing congestion on the existing line and improving overall train operations, directly benefiting residents of Kamrup Metro district.

Another major project is the Agthori–Kamakhya double line with the new Saraighat rail-cum-road bridge, covering 7.062 km at a cost of ₹1,474 crore. The project is expected to ease congestion on the existing Saraighat Bridge, enhance both rail and road capacity, improve connectivity between Guwahati and North Guwahati as well as other Northeastern states, and facilitate the operation of more daily commuter trains.

The Mega Coaching Complex at New Guwahati, being developed at a cost of ₹227 crore, will significantly strengthen rail operations and passenger services. Equipped with three new pit lines, four stabling lines and two automatic washing plants, the complex will enhance terminal capacity, enable the introduction of more trains and improve coach maintenance, safety and passenger comfort.

Guwahati Railway Station is also being redeveloped into a world-class facility, including the construction of a 12-storey IT park. The recently inaugurated Panbazar Road Over Bridge is expected to ease traffic congestion and support ongoing station remodelling works. In addition, NFR has electrified both pit lines at Kamakhya Junction, preparing the station for efficient maintenance of upcoming Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains.

Northeast Frontier Railway stated that it remains committed to translating the national vision of Indian Railways into tangible outcomes for Guwahati and the Northeast through focused infrastructure development, modernisation and passenger-centric initiatives.--------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash