Western railway achieves major milestones in electrification infrastructure safety and digital transformation in 2025 | Mumbai News
MUMBAI : 2025 was a landmark year for Western Railway, marked by significant achievements in electrification, infrastructure, safety, and digital transformation. A landmark achievement by Western Railway in 2025 was the complete electrification of its Broad Gauge network, a testament to the zone’s dedication to sustainable and energy-efficient operations. This milestone aligns with national goals for a greener future and positions Western Railway as a leader in sustainable transportation, said WR chief spokesperson Vineet Abhishek while releasing the year-ender on Sunday. Another standout achievement of 2025 was Western Railway’s exceptional punctuality, maintaining an impressive 97% punctuality rate in Mail/Express services. This remarkable feat, achieved despite challenging conditions, underscores the zone’s robust operational planning and real-time monitoring capabilities, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in the railway sector.In a move towards digital transformation, Western Railway achieved 100% digital ticket checking with the deployment of 2,270 Hand-Held Terminals (HHTs), retaining its No.1 position in Rail Madad grievance redressal for the fifth consecutive year, Abhishek said. Safety and connectivity were further enhanced with the construction of 138 Road Over Bridges and Under Bridges, the elimination of 114 manned level crossings, and the installation of 660 km of W-beam fencing. These efforts have significantly improved passenger safety and operational efficiency.Western Railway’s focus on heritage conservation, inclusivity, and public engagement was evident through initiatives like the Bandra Station Mahotsav, celebrating the rich heritage and architectural legacy of the iconic Bandra suburban railway station, Abhishel said. The zone’s commitment to safety was demonstrated through the courageous efforts of Western Railway RPF personnel, who saved 37 lives under Operation Jeevan Raksha and rescued 769 runaway/missing children under Operation Nanhe Farishtey, he added. The completion of the Loco Manufacturing Shop at Dahod, a project valued at Rs 21,405 crore, further underscores this commitment. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this state-of-the-art facility is set to manufacture 9000 HP electric freight locomotives, bolstering India’s freight capabilities and supporting the “Make in India” initiative. The year also witnessed the completion of 234 km of new lines, doubling, and gauge conversion projects, enhancing network capacity and operational flexibility. The commissioning of India’s first 2×25 kV traction system on the Khachrod–Nagda section marks a significant technological advancement, enabling higher speeds and improved energy efficiency.
