Indian Railways Aims for No Waiting Lists by 2027: Massive Expansion Plans Unveiled

In a groundbreaking move, Indian Railways has unveiled ambitious plans to eliminate waiting lists (WL) for train passengers by the year 2027. The railway authorities are actively working on this initiative, which includes increasing the number of daily trains and expanding the railway network.

The key strategies include:

1. Track Expansion: Indian Railways is on track to add new rail networks, covering 4,000 to 5,000 kilometers annually. This expansion aims to provide a robust foundation for the growing number of trains.
2. Increased Train Frequency: Currently, 10,748 trains operate daily, and the target is set to extend this number to 13,000 trains. The railway plans to introduce 3,000 new trains within the next 3 to 4 years.
3. Enhanced Passenger Capacity: With an annual ridership of 800 crore passengers, Indian Railways intends to augment its capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 crore passengers. This expansion is geared towards meeting the rising demand for train travel.
4. Reduced Travel Time: Efforts are underway to minimize travel time by increasing acceleration and deceleration rates. This involves expanding and upgrading tracks to enhance speed and efficiency, ensuring trains spend less time stopping and accelerating.

According to a recent study, implementing push-pull technology for acceleration and deceleration can potentially save significant travel time. For instance, the Delhi to Kolkata journey could be shortened by 2 hours and 20 minutes. Acceleration and deceleration improvements are critical for reducing stoppage time and increasing overall train speed.

To achieve this, Indian Railways is focusing on the push-pull technology, a technique that has already been applied to around 225 trains annually. The use of push-pull technology in LHB coaches is currently 4 times more efficient than in existing trains.

Additionally, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express showcases a significant increase in acceleration and deceleration capabilities compared to current trains, offering four times the efficiency.

With these forward-looking initiatives, Indian Railways aims to revolutionize the travel experience, providing passengers with confirmed tickets and minimizing waiting lists. The comprehensive plan reflects the railway’s commitment to modernization, efficiency, and meeting the evolving needs of its passengers.