New Delhi, April 02: Indian Railways is undertaking a significant scale-up in capital expenditure and infrastructure modernisation, with Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) rising sharply to ₹2.78 lakh crore for FY27, aimed at enhancing network capacity, safety, and passenger experience.
A substantial allocation of ₹79,072 crore has been earmarked for new track construction, while track renewal and upgradation remain ongoing priorities. Over 54,600 km of tracks have been renewed between 2014 and February 2026, supporting safer operations and higher train speeds.
Safety and Operational Efficiency
The focus on safety has yielded measurable outcomes, with consequential train accidents declining by 89 per cent to 15 in FY26 (till March 25). The accident index has also improved significantly, reflecting strengthened monitoring, infrastructure upgrades, and operational protocols. Additionally, ₹46,189 crore has been allocated towards track safety within the broader ₹1.2 lakh crore safety outlay.
Expansion of Premium Services
Premium train services, including the Vande Bharat Express, continue to witness strong traction, with 81 pairs currently operational and near 100 per cent occupancy levels. The introduction of sleeper variants marks a strategic expansion into long-distance travel.
Station Redevelopment and Passenger Amenities
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 1,338 stations have been identified for modernisation, of which redevelopment has been completed at 208 stations. The initiative includes a focus on 157 stations located in aspirational districts to drive regional development.
Railways has also enhanced passenger experience through free Wi-Fi services at over 6,117 stations and near-universal 4G/5G connectivity across the network.
PPP-led Development and Private Investment
The public-private partnership (PPP) model is gaining momentum, with Rani Kamalapati Railway Station already operational under this framework. Vijayawada Railway Station is set to become the second such station, while 14 others are under various stages of planning and execution.
In parallel, the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal policy has facilitated the commissioning of 128 terminals, attracting private investments of approximately ₹9,183 crore, with approvals granted for 292 additional terminals.
Manufacturing and Capacity Augmentation
To meet rising demand for modern rolling stock, manufacturing of 120 Vande Bharat trainsets has commenced at the Marathwada Rail Coach Factory. A new manufacturing unit at Kazipet is also nearing completion to produce advanced MEMU trains.
Sustainability and Green Initiatives
Indian Railways has achieved 100 per cent LED lighting across its network, alongside widespread deployment of bio-toilets and energy-efficient systems. These measures align with its broader sustainability goals, including reduced emissions and improved resource efficiency.
Infrastructure for Safer Mobility
Road safety infrastructure has also expanded significantly, with 14,024 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) constructed between 2014 and 2026, compared to 4,148 in the previous decade.
Workforce Welfare Measures
The Railways has strengthened safeguards for outsourced workers through digital monitoring via the Shramik Kalyan Portal, alongside stricter compliance with labour laws, wage protections, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Overall, the scale and pace of investments underline Indian Railways’ transition towards a modern, efficient, and passenger-centric transport ecosystem, while reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic growth and connectivity.
