File photo NEW DELHI: For the next phase of network expansion, the railway ministry has started preparation for laying 5th and 6th lines on the High Density Network (HDN) corridors connecting the four major metro cities — Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai and Chennai — so that more passenger and freight trains can run on these corridors.This is significant considering that the 11,051-km HDN forms the backbone of railways, accounting for 16% of the total network, but handling 41% of total rail traffic. Around 8,400-km of this, over 60% of the HDN network operate at 100-150% more than the line 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) and Mumbai–Chennai (1,238 km).Israel attacks IranIsrael Attack Iran Live Updates: Missiles strike US navy headquarters in Bahrain; explosions heard in Abu Dhabi, DohaUS, Israel attack Iran: AI Tel Aviv flight returning to IndiaIran attacks US military bases across Middle East in operation ‘Truthful Promise 4’TOI has learnt that recently the railway board called a meeting of senior officials from all zones to finalise the planning of doubling, multitracking and 5th and 6th line requirement on HDN routes. The zones have been asked to prepare proposals for their respective sections based on line capacity, traffic requirements and future planning.Responding to questions on the proposed augmentation plan, a senior railway official said, “Based on traffic projections, 5th and 6th lines may be required in some of the HDN corridors. Railways is examining this. This will be based on traffic study, which is yet to be carried out.”On the criteria for finalising the plan, the official said the decisions for laying 5th and 6th lines will be taken considering traffic projections, economic modes to be connected and unconnected areas.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Urge All Sides To…’: India Calls For Dialogue And De Escalation As US And Israel Attack Iran‘Historic’: US Envoy Gor Hails Micron’s Chip Plant Launch In Guj, Cites Modi-Trump FriendshipAfghanistan War, Iran Conflict Push Pakistan Into Two Front Security Challenge Amid Regional TensionHarvard University Responds After Sanskrit Course Image Sparks Criticism‘Target Religious Minorities’:UNHRC Side Event Flags Blasphemy Law Abuse In Pakistan And Bangladesh’Muslim League-Maoist Congress’: PM Modi Hits Out Over ‘Shirtless’ Protest At AI SummitIsrael-Iran War: AirIndia, IndiGo, Global Carriers Suspend Flights Amid West Asia Airspace ClosuresMunir’s Gamble Or US Script? As Trump Praises Pakistan, Is Islamabad Replaying Old Afghan Playbook?Five-Year Most-Favoured Nation Status Secured for India in Landmark EU Trade Agreement: What It Means for India’Ajmer Is Land Of Valour’: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Haifa Hero Major Dalpat After Israel’s Praise123Photostories5 luxury electric cars offering performance, prestige and sustainable innovationFrom Jane Fonda to Melanie Griffith: actors who went throughknife to look youngerMy sugar is fine, but I feel terrible: Doctor explains what your diabetes report may be missingFrom Dilip Joshi to Munmun Dutta – Highest-paid Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah starsPlanning a Udaipur wedding like Rashmika Mandanna’s? 5 bridal style rules you can’t ignoreSmoke, strikes and sirens: Tehran in turmoil after US-Israel attack Iran — In pics5 common habits of people who never seem stressed10 Hindu Gods and the traditional bhog lovingly offered to themFrom a luxurious house to a net worth of approximately Rs 30 crore- The Kapil Sharma Show fame Sumona Chakraborty’s lavish lifestyleRashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda to Selena Gomez: Most-liked Instagram posts by celebrities123Hot PicksIsrael attack IranWest Bengal SIRGold rate todayCEO Sam AltmanIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIsrael Iran ConflictUS Israel Strike IranPakistna vs Sri Lanka ScorecardLucknow businessman murderRinku SinghIndian Wells Open 2026Crude OilQatar AirwaysMaxx Crosby InjuryNHL Trade
NEW DELHI: For the next phase of network expansion, the railway ministry has started preparation for laying 5th and 6th lines on the High Density Network (HDN) corridors connecting the four major metro cities — Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai and Chennai — so that more passenger and freight trains can run on these corridors.This is significant considering that the 11,051-km HDN forms the backbone of railways, accounting for 16% of the total network, but handling 41% of total rail traffic. Around 8,400-km of this, over 60% of the HDN network operate at 100-150% more than the line 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) and Mumbai–Chennai (1,238 km).TOI has learnt that recently the railway board called a meeting of senior officials from all zones to finalise the planning of doubling, multitracking and 5th and 6th line requirement on HDN routes. The zones have been asked to prepare proposals for their respective sections based on line capacity, traffic requirements and future planning.Responding to questions on the proposed augmentation plan, a senior railway official said, “Based on traffic projections, 5th and 6th lines may be required in some of the HDN corridors. Railways is examining this. This will be based on traffic study, which is yet to be carried out.”On the criteria for finalising the plan, the official said the decisions for laying 5th and 6th lines will be taken considering traffic projections, economic modes to be connected and unconnected areas.