Railway Ministry: Railways plans 5th, 6th lines on high-density corridors to boost capacity | India News
It is noteworthy that the 11,051-km HDN forms the railway backbone, accounting for 16% of the total network, but handling 41% of total rail traffic. Of these, about 8,400-km, more than 60% of HDN network lines operate at 100-150% above capacity.The seven HDN corridors are – Delhi-Howrah (1,422 km), Howrah-Mumbai (2,039 km), Delhi-Mumbai (1,321 km), Delhi-Guwahati (1,875 km), Delhi-Chennai (2,041 km), Howrah-Chennai (1,117 km), Mumbai-Chennai (1,117 km) and Mumbai-Chennai (1,388 km).TOI has learned that recently the Railway Board has convened a meeting of senior officials of all regions to finalize plans for doubling, multitracking and requirements of 5th and 6th lines on the HDN route. Zones have been asked to prepare proposals for their respective divisions based on line capacity, traffic requirements and future plans.Responding to a query on the proposed expansion plan, a senior railway official said, “Based on traffic projections, the HDN corridor may require 5th and 6th lines. Railways is examining it. It will be based on the traffic study, which is yet to be done.”Regarding the criteria for finalizing the plan, the official said that decisions on laying the 5th and 6th lines will be taken considering the traffic estimates, economic modes of connectivity and unconnected areas.
