NE BUSINESS BUREAU
CHENNAI, DEC 29
In a decisive move aligned with India’s long-term infrastructure and economic growth agenda, Indian Railways has announced a comprehensive plan to double train-originating capacity in major cities over the next five years, with Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi (Ernakulam) identified as key hubs under Southern Railway.
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said the initiative is aimed at meeting rapidly rising passenger demand, reducing terminal congestion and strengthening nationwide rail connectivity.
- · Chennai, Coimbatore & Kochi Named as Southern Railway Growth Engines
- · New Terminals, Station Redevelopment & Multi-Tracking to Ease Congestion
- · Focus on Suburban and Long-Distance Connectivity with Phased Expansion
- · World-Class Passenger Facilities, Green Stations & Intermodal Integration
- · Ashwini Vaishnaw: Capacity Expansion Key to India’s Mobility-Led Growth
“We’re expanding coaching terminals and enhancing sectional and operational capacities across cities to meet growing passenger demand and decongest our railway network. This transformation will significantly improve nationwide connectivity,” Shri Vaishnaw said.
Blueprint for Doubling Capacity by 2030
With sustained growth in rail travel across urban India, Indian Railways has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to double the capacity of major cities to originate new trains by 2030, with progressive gains visible over the next five years.
The plan includes:
- Augmenting existing terminals with additional platforms, stabling and pit lines, and modern shunting facilities
- Developing new terminals in and around urban clusters
- Creating large-scale maintenance infrastructure, including mega coaching complexes
- Enhancing sectional capacity through signalling upgrades, traffic facility works and multi-tracking
A comprehensive plan covering 48 major cities is under preparation, with actions classified as immediate, short-term and long-term, ensuring time-bound execution and measurable outcomes. Both suburban and non-suburban traffic needs are being addressed, with zonal railways tasked to resolve operational bottlenecks at stations and yards alongside terminal expansion.
Southern Railway Focus: Chennai, Coimbatore & Kochi
Chennai: Mega Redevelopment and Multi-Tracking Drive
The Chennai metropolitan rail network—anchored by Dr MGR Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Tambaram and the suburban system—currently serves nearly 12.4 lakh passengers daily. Southern Railway has launched a sweeping capacity enhancement programme covering station redevelopment, new terminals and extensive line additions.
Chennai Egmore: Heritage Meets World-Class Design
The iconic station is being redeveloped into a modern passenger hub while preserving its architectural legacy. Key highlights include:
- Airport-style segregation of arrivals and departures
- Two new centrally air-conditioned terminal buildings
- 44 lifts and 31 escalators for universal accessibility
- A 14,000 sq m departure concourse and 32,000 sq m roof cover
- Multi-Level Car Parking for 400 cars and 200 two-wheelers
- Premium waiting halls, lounges, food courts and retail zones
- GRIHA 4-star green rating, 100% DG backup and advanced BMS
Tambaram: Strengthening Suburban–Long Distance Integration
Tambaram station is being upgraded with:
- 9 lifts and 10 escalators
- Modernised concourse and booking areas
- Improved interchange between suburban and long-distance services
- Expanded parking, drop-off zones and enhanced passenger amenities
New Perambur Terminal: Decongesting Chennai
A new terminal at Perambur is proposed to significantly reduce pressure on Chennai Central and Egmore.
- DPR submitted to Railway Board on April 23, 2025
- Estimated cost: ₹342 crore
- Seven platforms planned, boosting operational flexibility
Multi-Tracking & Line Expansion
Major projects include:
- Chennai Beach–Egmore 4th Line (4.3 km) commissioned
- MRTS Phase-II (Velachery–St Thomas Mount) nearing completion
Newly sanctioned suburban projects:
- Attipattu–Gummidipundi 3rd & 4th Line (22.52 km)
- Tambaram–Chengalpattu 4th Line (30.02 km)
- Ambattur–Villivakkam 5th & 6th Lines (6.4 km)
Cleared DPRs cover strategic corridors including Arakkonam–Renigunta, Gummidipundi–Gudur and new industrial links via Sriperumbudur.
Coimbatore: Second Terminal and PPP Redevelopment
A vital industrial and commercial hub, Coimbatore’s rail ecosystem includes Coimbatore Junction, Podanur Junction, Coimbatore North and satellite stations.
Podanur Junction: Emerging as Second Terminal
- Being developed to share long-distance and originating traffic
- Investment of around ₹100 crore for terminal infrastructure
- ₹24 crore Amrit Bharat Station Scheme works underway
- Select trains to originate/terminate here, easing Coimbatore Junction congestion
Coimbatore North: Satellite Station Upgrade
- Redevelopment at a cost of ₹11.5 crore
- New entry-exit points, upgraded amenities, improved parking and access
Coimbatore Junction: PPP-Led Transformation
- Planned redevelopment under PPP mode
- Estimated investment: ₹692.65 crore
- DPR submitted to Railway Board
Kochi (Ernakulam): Phased Redevelopment for Kerala Gateway
Kochi’s rail network—comprising Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Tripunithura—is a critical gateway linking Kerala with the rest of India.
Ernakulam Town: ₹150-Crore Two-Phase Redevelopment
- Phase I underway; commissioning targeted by May 2026
- New terminal building, multilevel car parking (200 cars), wide FOB
- Platform upgrades and modern passenger facilities in progress
Ernakulam Junction & Tripunithura
- Ernakulam Junction redevelopment retendered; works to begin shortly
- Tripunithura station redevelopment under Amrit Bharat Scheme nearing completion
Future-Ready Rail Ecosystem
The integrated expansion of terminals, commissioning of additional lines, sanctioning of new projects and induction of modern rolling stock underscores Southern Railway’s commitment to a safe, efficient and passenger-centric rail network.
These initiatives are designed not only to address present-day congestion in Chennai, Coimbatore and Kochi, but also to future-proof mobility needs for the next several decades, reinforcing railways as a backbone of India’s urban and economic growth.
