Railways in fast-track transformation: Vaishnaw

Metro India News | NEW DELHI : Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday told Parliament that Indian Railways is undergoing a major shift from “slow growth” to “super-fast transformation,” with a focus on faster, safer, and more affordable travel for the common man and middle class.

Replying to the Demands for Grants for 2026–27, the minister highlighted a record budget allocation of about Rs 2.78 lakh crore, a sharp rise from Rs 25,000–30,000 crore earlier, enabled after the merger of the Railway Budget with the General Budget. He said this reform improved transparency, ensured year-round approvals, and strengthened institutional monitoring.

Indian Railways now operates over 25,500 trains daily across a network of around 1.37 lakh km, supporting both passenger mobility and freight movement. Freight loading has increased significantly to about 1,650 million tonnes, while track expansion, electrification, and safety infrastructure have seen rapid growth over the past decade.

The minister said safety remains a top priority, with accidents reduced by nearly 90 per cent due to better maintenance and technology adoption. The indigenous Kavach system is being deployed across thousands of kilometres to enhance train protection.

Highlighting affordability, Vaishnaw said the government subsidises nearly 45 per cent of passenger fares, amounting to about Rs 60,000 crore annually. Around 70 per cent of coaches are non-AC, ensuring accessibility for ordinary passengers.

On services, over 160 Vande Bharat trains and 60 Amrit Bharat trains are operational, while 200 new intercity trains and 238 suburban trains for Mumbai are being introduced. Station redevelopment is also progressing, with about 1,300 stations identified for modernisation.

The minister noted that Railways has generated around 5 lakh jobs in the last decade, alongside millions of indirect employment opportunities. He added that technology initiatives, including the RailOne app and AI-based maintenance systems, are improving efficiency and passenger experience.

Vaishnaw said the government remains committed to expanding infrastructure, improving services, and keeping travel affordable while driving economic growth.