New Delhi, Nov 9:
The Indian Railways will convert seven major high-density trunk routes into four-track corridors to eliminate passenger bottlenecks and handle swelling freight traffic, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.
The expansion will prioritise routes connecting the Golden Quadrilateral citiesāDelhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkataāalong with major cross-country segments including Delhi-Chennai, Mumbai-Kolkata, and Delhi-Guwahati.
Vaishnaw stated: “Currently, tracks face severe congestion due to surging freight traffic, including coal movement. Over the past 10 years, 36,000 kilometres of additional track have been constructed. Creating new lines and enhancing capacity is essential. Once the four-laning works are completed, more than 1,000 additional trains can be operated, significantly reducing waiting lists and booking hassles.”