Team Goemkarponn
Margao: Konkan Railway has announced a major expansion of coaching terminal facilities at Madgaon Railway Station to meet the steadily rising passenger demand and reduce congestion. Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that coaching terminals in key cities are being expanded to cater to sustained growth in travel and to significantly improve nationwide connectivity. Indian Railways aims to double the capacity of major cities to originate new trains over the next five years.
To achieve the target of doubling originating capacity by 2030, Indian Railways has planned augmentation of existing terminals with additional platforms, stabling lines, pit lines and shunting facilities. The plan also includes identifying and developing new terminals in and around urban areas, creating advanced maintenance facilities including mega coaching complexes, and increasing sectional capacity through traffic facility works, signalling upgrades and multitracking to handle an increased number of trains.
Madgaon Railway Station on the Konkan Railway network has been identified as one of the key stations for this expansion. Several works have already been completed, while others are being taken up in a phased manner. Recently completed passenger-centric facilities include a Rail Arcade, battery-operated cars for easy movement of passengers across platforms, and a new foot over bridge connecting all platforms with lifts and ramps, constructed at a cost of ₹15 crore.
The station’s platforms have also been extended to accommodate 24-coach LHB rakes, and a new stabling line has been commissioned to improve handling capacity and reduce shunting time. Examination facilities for Vande Bharat trains have also been commissioned at Madgaon. Works nearing completion include a transit lounge and extension of the pit line to handle 24-coach LHB formations.
To cater to future requirements, Konkan Railway has planned a new full-length platform at Madgaon station. A second station entry with a new station building is also proposed, along with a 12-metre-wide foot over bridge that will facilitate intermodal connectivity with the upcoming ring road. Other planned facilities include an additional stabling line to improve yard mobility and reduce shunting time. A survey is currently in progress to accommodate a new pit line within the Madgaon yard, which will enable the planning of more originating trains from the station in the coming years.
