New Delhi, Dec 29: Indian Railways has embarked on 42 significant projects in 2025, focusing on innovations, indigenisation, track renewals, electrification, and the development of “airport-like facilities” at stations, with a total investment exceeding Rs 25,000 crore.
This initiative aims to enhance the safety and speed of both passenger and freight services. Key advancements include the introduction of 15 Vande Bharat Express trains, bringing the total to 164, and the debut of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train designed for long-distance comfort. The Amrit Bharat Express trains have also expanded, offering quality service to non-AC passengers.
Major milestones include the inauguration of India’s first vertical-lift rail bridge in Pamban and improved connectivity in Kashmir and the Northeast. More than 900 kilometers of new track was commissioned alongside extensive track renewals affecting over 6,000 kilometers. The pace of new track laying has dramatically increased, achieving 34,428 km from 2014 to 2025 at an average of over 8 km per day.
Electrification efforts have resulted in 99.2% of the Broad Gauge network being electrified, surpassing countries like the UK, Russia, and China. A notable increase in safety has been achieved, with train accidents dropping significantly, attributed to enhancements in safety budgets, advanced safety devices, and the implementation of the indigenously developed Kavach version 4.0 system.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project is also progressing, with 55.63% physical completion and 69.62% financial completion as reported by November 2025. These developments are set to transform rail travel in India, making it safer, faster, and more accessible for all passengers.
