Indian Railways Expands 23,000 km Tracks for 130 kmph Speed, Reports 4% Revenue Growth
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Synopsis
Indian Railways has successfully upgraded over 23,000 km of tracks to enable speeds of up to 130 kmph, marking a significant milestone. The Ministry of Railways reported a 4% rise in earnings, showcasing the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Railways upgraded over 23,000 km of tracks.
- Train speeds increased to 130 kmph.
- 4% rise in earnings from freight operations.
- 6% increase in passenger earnings.
- Investment in infrastructure reached Rs 1.92 lakh crore.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Indian Railways has reached a remarkable achievement by enhancing over 23,000 track kilometres within its network to facilitate train speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour (kmph), as announced on Monday.
The Ministry of Railways reported a four per cent increase in earnings from April to December of the current fiscal year (FY25), generating Rs 1.26 lakh crore from freight operations.
During the same timeframe, earnings from the passenger sector rose by six per cent, amounting to Rs 55,988 crore.
“With nearly one-fifth of India’s railway network now upgraded for higher speeds, these advancements are attributed to stringent safety protocols like modern signalling systems and strategic fencing, heralding a new era of efficiency and reliability in train travel,” stated the Ministry.
Furthermore, around 54,337 track kilometres have been enhanced to support speeds up to 110 kmph.
A two per cent increase in capital expenditure for 2024-25 has been noted, with investments rising to Rs 1.92 lakh crore during the current fiscal year, reflecting the government’s dedication to infrastructure enhancement.
From January to November 2024, freight loading on Indian Railways reached 1473.05 metric tonnes, marking a 3.86 per cent growth compared to the same period last year, as pointed out by the Ministry.
“This significant advancement highlights the government’s commitment to modernising railway infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and reducing travel times for countless passengers across the nation,” it added.
The modernisation of track infrastructure includes extensive upgrades, such as bolstering tracks to ensure stability and durability for high-speed operations, implementing advanced signalling systems for precise communication and safe train operations, and establishing safety measures like fencing at vulnerable locations to improve security and lower risks.
These initiatives align with Indian Railways’ mission to create a safer and more efficient railway network that meets the demands of both passenger and freight services.
The Vande Bharat Express, capable of reaching speeds up to 160 kmph, represents a new chapter in Indian train travel, providing passengers with a quicker, more comfortable, and premium travel experience.
In comparison to the prior year, the number of specialised train services during peak demand surged by 54 per cent, totaling 57,169 services.
