Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world, is embarking on an ambitious plan to transform its infrastructure and services. With a focus on enhancing the passenger experience, increasing the availability of trains, and improving the transportation of goods, the Union Railways Minister, Ashwini Vashar, recently announced that Indian Railways plans to invest 1 lakh crores over the next few years in improving the country’s railway network.
A significant portion of this investment will be allocated towards procuring new trains, as well as improving crucial infrastructure such as tracks, safety technology, and stations. The minister emphasized that the railways has already utilized 70% of its 2.4 lakh budget for the current fiscal year, with progress in track laying going as planned. In fact, Indian Railways has been laying an average of 16 km of tracks per day in the current fiscal year, a remarkable increase from the 5.2 km per day laid in the previous fiscal year.
Apart from infrastructure improvements, Indian Railways also aims to enhance the overall passenger experience. One major focus is on eliminating waiting lists, which can cause inconvenience and frustration for travelers. Currently operating 10,754 daily train trips, Indian Railways plans to add an additional 3,000 trains to eliminate waiting lists entirely. This increase in train trips has already allowed the national transporter to accommodate more passengers annually, and by 2030, it is expected to rise by 30%.
With these ambitious plans, Indian Railways is preparing itself to meet the growing demands of passengers and the transportation of goods. However, this is just the beginning of the investments and spending required in the coming years. Indian Railways recognizes the need to continuously improve and upgrade its infrastructure to ensure a seamless and efficient railway network.
Indian Railways’ commitment to enhancing India’s railway network is evident in its ambitious plans and significant investments. By focusing on improving infrastructure, increasing train availability, and enhancing the passenger experience, Indian Railways aims to meet the growing demands of a rapidly developing nation. As the railways continue to transform and modernize, it is certain that travelers and commuters will benefit from a more efficient and reliable transportation system.
