New Delhi, Jan 18 (NationPress) The total length of tracks on the Indian Railways network that accommodate speeds of 110 km/h and above has seen a remarkable increase, surging from 31,445 kilometres in 2014 to 84,244 kilometres over the past 11 years. In terms of percentage, the proportion of high-speed tracks has escalated from 40 percent to 80 percent, facilitating quicker and more efficient train operations, as reported by the Ministry of Railways on Sunday.

The Indian Railways has made notable advancements in reinforcing its track infrastructure and improving safety measures through consistent investments and focused implementation in the past 11 years. These initiatives have led to safer, faster, and more dependable train services throughout the nation, according to the Ministry.

In the financial year 2024–25, Indian Railways completed track renewal over 6,851 kilometres. For the ongoing financial year 2025–26, over 7,500 kilometres of track renewal work is currently in progress. Additionally, a further 7,900 kilometres of track renewal is scheduled for 2026–27, underscoring the ongoing commitment to asset reliability and safety, as noted in the statement.

Prioritizing safety, fencing along railway tracks has also been implemented to reduce cattle run-over incidents and trespassing, which has significantly enhanced overall safety. To date, approximately 15,000 kilometres of fencing has been established, improving safety on segments where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 km/h, according to the Ministry.

Substantial advancements have also been made in turnout renewal, crucial for ensuring smooth train operations. In 2024–25, 7,161 thick web switches and 1,704 weldable CMS (Cast Manganese Steel) crossings were installed. For 2025–26, plans include over 8,000 thick web switches and more than 3,000 weldable CMS crossings.

Mechanized deep screening of ballast, vital for maintaining track stability and enhancing ride quality, has been consistently performed. In 2024–25, 7,442 track kilometres underwent deep screening, while over 7,500 track kilometres are being screened in 2025–26, as per the statement.

To further mechanized maintenance and boost productivity, Indian Railways has expanded its track machine fleet considerably. Since 2014, more than 1,100 track machines have been acquired, allowing for quicker and more effective maintenance of the railway network, the statement concluded.