Here’s how Southern Railway’s coaching terminal expansion will help to run more trains from Chennai, Coimbatore & Ernakulam

Southern Railway coaching terminal expansion: As Indian Railways (IR) plans to double originating train capacity in 48 cities over the next five years, the Southern Railway (SR) zone has identified three cities for infrastructure upgrades to enable more train services and improve connectivity. These cities are: Chennai, Coimbatore and Ernakulam (Kochi).

According to railways, the works for doubling the originating capacity by the year 2030 would include the following actions: The major stations of Chennai city are: Dr MGR Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Tambaram and stations in the suburban network cater to nearly 12.4 lakh passengers daily. These railway stations are witnessing capacity expansion through station redevelopment, creation of new terminals, commissioning of additional lines and induction of modern rolling stock. On completion, these infrastructure upgradation projects will pave the way for better intermodal transport facilities encompassing Chennai Metro, MRTS and MTC.

The railway is redeveloping Chennai Egmore station into a world-class passenger hub while preserving its heritage character under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). As part of the modernisation work, the station will include following features: The national transporter is upgrading Tambaram, an important and long-distance rail hub, to enhance accessibility and passenger circulation. Key improvements include: The new terminal at Perambur railway station will further decongest existing Chennai terminals. According to the Southern Rzailway, this new terminal will decongest Chennai Central and Egmore and improve operational flexibility. According to the zonal railway, the detailed project report (DPR) for the new terminal was submitted to the Railway Board on April 23, 2025, at an estimated cost of Rs 342 crore, with a provision for seven platforms.

Newly Sanctioned Projects (3 Projects – 59.44 km) Sanctioned on 02.07.2025, ESP under divisional approval

DPRs Cleared (5 Projects – 207.96 km)

A major rail hub in western Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore’s railway network includes Coimbatore Junction, Coimbatore North, Podanur Junction, Peelamedu, Singanallur and Irugur. These stations together handle a high volume of long-distance, intercity, passenger and freight traffic.

The railway is developing Podanur Junction as Coimbatore’s second terminal to reduce load o­n Coimbatore Junction. With an investment of Rs 100 crore, the project includes key infrastructure works such as terminal facilities, stabling lines, pit lines and yard re-organisation.

Apart from these, under the ABSS, station redevelopment works costing about Rs 24 crore are underway, covering platform improvements and enhanced passenger amenities.

“A substantial portion of the station redevelopment works is nearing completion, while terminal-related works are progressing in phases. On completion, Podanur is expected to originate/terminate select train services, significantly easing congestion at Coimbatore Junction,” SR said.

The Coimbatore North railway station is being redeveloped under the ABSS at an estimated cost of Rs 11.5 crore. It aims to strengthen Coimbatore North station’s role as a satellite station supporting Coimbatore Junction. Key works include: The Southern Railway zone has submitted a proposal to Railway Board to redevelop Coimbatore Junction under PPP mode at an estimated cost of Rs 692.65 crore.

The city of Kochi (Ernakulam) is one of the crucial railway hub connecting Kerala with other parts of the country. The city’s rail ecosystem encompasses Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Tripunithura stations, which collectively handle a substantial share of passenger and freight traffic.

The modernisation work of Ernakulam Town railway station has been planned in two phases at a total cost of Rs 150.28 crore, with phasing designed to ensure uninterrupted passenger operations during construction. According to the SR, phase 1 is underway in the southern part of the station area.

Segment I (G + Mezzanine + 3): RCC structural works completed, finishing works in progress

(G + 6): RCC structural works completed for 200 cars; fire protection, painting and finishing works in progress

Foundation works completed; fabrication commenced at RDSO-approved workshop, Katpadi

At Ernakulam Junction, the redevelopment project has been retendered and works will commence shortly, while redevelopment works at Tripunithura station are in the final phase.

According to the Southern Railway, these infrastructure projects will not o­nly address present-day demand of these cities but also meet the mobility needs of the next several decades.