Indian Railways to expand seven major routes to four-lane tracks

Indian Railways is preparing to convert seven of its busiest routes into four-lane tracks, covering approximately 11,000 kilometers. This infrastructure expansion aims to increase train frequency, accommodate growing passenger numbers, and facilitate easier freight movement.

These high-traffic corridors currently account for roughly 41 percent of the country's total railway traffic, despite representing only 16 percent of the total network. Key routes identified for this development include connections between Delhi-Howrah, Howrah-Chennai, Chennai-Mumbai, Mumbai-Delhi, Delhi-Chennai, Mumbai-Howrah, and Delhi-Guwahati.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that infrastructure is being developed to create additional capacity and support future increases in both passenger and freight demand. The expansion is expected to provide economic and environmental benefits, such as reduced transportation costs and cleaner transport options. On corridors like Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai, express trains may eventually reach speeds of up to 160 km/h.