New Delhi, April 23, 2026: Modernisation of railway tracks across the country is enabling a faster, safer and more dependable rail network, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the PMO said that large-scale track renewal, adoption of advanced testing methods and mechanised maintenance have significantly improved ride quality and supported higher train speeds, while reducing delays and ensuring smoother journeys.
The PMO cited an article by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which highlighted that around 55,000 km of railway tracks have been renewed since 2014, enhancing safety and reducing the need for frequent repairs.
The minister noted that nearly 44,000 km of long rail panels have been laid, reducing the number of joints and enabling smoother and safer train movement. In addition, over 80,000 km of stronger 60-kg rails are now in use, supporting heavier loads and higher speeds.
“Today nearly 80 per cent of the network handles train speeds of 110 km per hour or above, and rail and weld failures have fallen by 90 per cent,” Vaishnaw said, adding that these improvements are delivering tangible benefits for both passengers and freight operations.
The track machine fleet has also expanded significantly, increasing from 748 in 2014 to 1,785 in 2026. These machines carry out essential maintenance tasks such as tamping, ballast cleaning and rail grinding with greater efficiency and precision compared to manual methods.
Emphasising the importance of track quality, the minister said the rail network’s performance depends heavily on the condition of tracks, with issues such as cracks, loose fittings or clogged ballast affecting speed, safety and reliability.
He further noted that more than 25,000 trains operate daily on India’s rail network, transporting over 20 million passengers and moving large volumes of commodities such as coal, iron ore, grains, steel and cement across a network spanning over 1,37,000 km.
