Indian Railways has achieved a remarkable milestone by upgrading over 23,000 track kilometres (TKM) to support train speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour (kmph). This significant progress underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and reducing travel time for millions of passengers across the country. With nearly one-fifth of the railway network now equipped for higher speeds, this transformation has been made possible through robust safety measures, including modern signalling systems and strategic fencing. These developments mark a new era of efficiency and reliability in Indian train travel.
The modernization of track infrastructure encompasses extensive upgrades, including the reinforcement of tracks to ensure stability and durability for high-speed operations. Additionally, the implementation of advanced signalling systems enables precise communication and safer train movements, while security measures such as fencing at vulnerable locations enhance overall safety. These initiatives align with Indian Railways’ mission to develop a safer and more efficient railway network that meets the growing demands of both passenger and freight transportation.
The infrastructure upgrades prominently feature sections of the Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal networks, which serve as vital corridors linking the nation’s major cities. These routes, responsible for handling a significant portion of India’s passenger and freight traffic, are now better equipped to accommodate higher speeds. As a result, transit times are reduced, and logistics efficiency is significantly improved.
Furthermore, an additional 54,337 TKM of tracks have been upgraded to support speeds of up to 110 kmph. This systematic enhancement ensures seamless connectivity across regions and contributes to the overall operational efficiency of Indian Railways.
Indian Railways’ flagship semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express, exemplifies the success of these infrastructure improvements. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kmph, the Vande Bharat Express symbolizes a new chapter in Indian train travel, offering passengers a faster, more comfortable, and premium travel experience. To safely accommodate such speeds, Indian Railways has prioritized safety fencing along high-speed track sections, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing the risk of accidents.
In response to increasing passenger demand, specialized train services during peak travel periods have surged by 54 percent, reaching 57,169 services compared to the previous year. This expansion reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to addressing passenger needs efficiently.
Additionally, Indian Railways has recorded a 4 percent increase in earnings between April and December of the fiscal year 2024-25, with revenue from freight operations reaching Rs 26 lakh crore. Passenger segment earnings have also risen by 6 percent, amounting to Rs 55,988 crore.
Capital expenditure (Capex) has seen a 2 percent increase in the fiscal year 2024-25, with investments reaching Rs 1.92 lakh crore. This growth underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to railway infrastructure development.
Between January 2024 and November 2024, revenue-earning freight loading on Indian Railways stood at 1,473.05 metric tonnes, marking a 3.86 percent growth compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. These improvements play a crucial role in supporting the country’s economic expansion by ensuring the smooth transportation of goods across the nation.
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