New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) - Indian Railways has achieved a remarkable 99.6% electrification of its broad gauge network, operating around 25,000 trains daily and successfully transporting 741 crore passengers in the fiscal year 2025–26, as announced by the government on Wednesday.

During this period, total revenue approached Rs 80,000 crore, with freight transport reaching a historic 1,670 million tonnes (MT), according to an official statement.

Back in 2014, only about 20% of India’s railway network was electrified, which hampered operational efficiency and increased dependence on diesel. As of March 2026, 69,873 route kilometres (rkm) have been electrified, a significant increase from 21,801 rkm in 2014.

The electrification initiative saved nearly 180 crore litres of diesel in 2024–25, resulting in reduced crude oil imports and savings of around Rs 6,000 crore, according to the government.

India's electrification rate now surpasses that of the UK (39%), Russia (52%), and China (82%).

The Kavach Automatic Train Protection System has been installed over 3,100 route kilometres, with plans for implementation on an additional 24,400 kilometres.

Furthermore, the Video Surveillance System (VSS) has been extended to 1,874 railway stations, utilizing AI-based analytics and facial recognition technology to enhance passenger safety and monitoring.

The Integrated Passenger Information System (IPIS), which connects with the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), is now operational at 1,405 stations, ensuring timely announcements and improved communication with passengers.

According to the statement, the track infrastructure has seen a strategic upgrade over the last decade, with 54,600 kilometres of railway tracks renewed between 2014 and 2026, thereby enhancing reliability and operational performance.

The track length capable of supporting speeds exceeding 110 kmph has increased from 31,445 km to over 85,000 km, enabling faster and more efficient operations.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper service, introduced in January 2026, has transported 1.21 lakh passengers across 119 trips within its first three months of service.

Approximately 3.98 crore passengers utilized the Vande Bharat Express network in FY 2025–26, reflecting a substantial increase in passenger numbers. Since its launch, the Vande Bharat Express has served over 9.1 crore passengers through 1 lakh trips.

To provide affordable travel options for low- and middle-income families, Indian Railways introduced the Amrit Bharat Express - modern, fully non-AC trains designed for enhanced comfort and safety while maintaining economical fares.

As of March 18, 2026, the Indian Railways operates 60 Amrit Bharat Express services across its network.