Progress of Indian Railways during the Modi government reign from 2014-2025 – Part – I

Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest rail networks, continues its journey of transformation during 2025 also. From high-speed trains to digital innovations and modernization of stations, the Indian Railways is evolving rapidly to serve both the passengers and the economy in a better way. It is noteworthy that since 2014 the budget of Indian Railways has increased by more than 9 times.

Highlights during the period 2014 to 2025

1. Introduction of world class trains

The following World class trains have been introduced during the period,

• Vande Bharat trains

Are semi high-speed trains offering comfortable rides with top notch amenities covering 24 States/UTs along with 333 districts. A total 68 Vande Bharat Trains are currently operational in the country with a plan to manufacture 400 world-class Vande Bharat trains.

• Amrit Bharat train

A non-AC push-pull train providing a jerk free journey with enhanced safety and improved amenities, it has been designed and developed by Indian Railways at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai with total 3 Amrit Bharat Trains in operation currently.

• Namo Bharat Rapid Rail

A short distance service that operates on an inter-city Network designed and developed by Indian Railways at Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala with 2 Namo Bharat Rapid rails running currently.

In the next 2 to 3 years, the Indian Railways has planned to revolutionise the travel experience for the masses by introducing 200 new Vande Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains, 50 Namo Bharat rapid rails & 17,500 general non-AC coaches.

2. Track upgradation

Upgradation of Railway tracks undertaken during the period includes:

• Laying of more than 31,000 kms of new tracks since 2014.
• More than 45,000 kms of tracks have been renewed since 2014.

3. Total capex allocation

• Around 3.62 lakh crore were allocated from 2004-2014, whereas;
• More than 17 lakh crore have been allocated since 2014 amounting to 369.61% increase.

4. Amenities

• 1,790 lifts and 1,602 escalators have been installed at railway stations improving accessibility for all passengers ensuring inclusivity at railway stations.
• Over 6,000 railway stations have been equipped with WIFI facilities ensuring greater connectivity.

5. Mission net zero carbon emission 2030

• Indian Railways is advancing to achieve the target of 100 % electrification with more than 99 % of the broad-gauge network having been electrified presently.
• Over 2,000 railway stations are now solar powered ensuring progress in achieving an energy efficient rail network.
• 100 % LED lights have been installed at railway stations, service buildings etc.

6. Replacing Indian Railways fleet by Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches

Indian Railways is replacing its fleet with safer and secure LHB coaches having manufactured more than 37,000 such coaches to provide improved safety and comfort since 2014.

The LHB coaches can travel at a higher speed the maximum permissible speed being 160 kmph. While these coaches have been tested at speeds ranging 200 kmph, the ICF coach is permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.

The LHB Coaches use an advanced pneumatic disc brake system for efficient braking at higher speeds. During collision or derailment, LHB coaches do not climb on the adjacent coaches due to the use of Centre Buffer Coupling (CBC) instead of the dual buffer system.

Centre Buffer Coupling or CBC:

• Is of Automatic Coupling type with Less time required for coupling.
• Is safe for shunting of staff.
• Uncoupling is easy and less efforts are required.
• Has a feature to prevent decoupling in the event of derailment/accidents.

7. Expanding production

• 7,134 Coaches have been produced in 2024-25, a 9% increase from the previous year’s production of 6,541 Coaches.
• 41,929 units of wagons produced in 2024-25, surpassing the 37,650 units produced in 2023-24.
• 1,681 units of locomotives produced in 2024-25, a 19% increase with 1,472 units in 2023-24.

8. Kavach – Automatic Train Protection System

Kavach, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, is a high technology intensive system which requires safety certification of highest order, Safety Integrity Level (SIL- 4). It aids the Loco Pilot in running trains within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so, and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather.

Kavach has already been deployed on 1,548 Route kms (RkMs) on South Central Railway and North Central Railway. Presently, the work is in progress on Delhi- Mumbai & Delhi-Howrah corridors covering approximately 3,000 RkMs. Track side works at about 1,081 RkMs covering 705 RkMs on Delhi-Mumbai section and 376 RkMs on Delhi-Howrah section on these routes have been completed.

9. Elimination of unmanned level crossings (ULC)

• With 100% elimination of ULC Indian Railways has constructed more than 12,000 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) ensuring safe passage for both road and rail users.
• During 2024-25, 1,256 new ROBs/RUBs were constructed.

10. Recent infrastructure developments

1. Chenab Bridge – World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge, a type of bridge that uses a curved arch to support the weight and loads, and Anji Khad Bridge, a railway bridge over the Anji River, a tributary of Chenab River in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir were inaugurated by PM in June 2025. The Anji Bridge will serve the nation in a challenging terrain & Chenab Rail Bridge is situated at a height of 359 metres above the river. It is a 1,315-metre-long Steel arch bridge engineered to withstand seismic and wind conditions.

2. The New Pamban Bridge – India’s first Vertical Lift Rail Sea Bridge revolutionising rail connectivity for Rameswaram and Mainland India has been dedicated to the Nation.

3. Kosi Rail Mahasetu – The bridge of Strategic importance along the India-Nepal border was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 18, 2020.

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