Indian Railways wrapped up 2025 on a high note, setting the stage for a new era in train travel as we move into 2026. With a focus on innovation and infrastructure, the government reported major advancements in various areas such as passenger comfort, safety, and station upgrades. This progress supports the growing momentum of India’s economy.
Passenger experience took center stage this year. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express and the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper train promise faster and more comfortable long-distance trips. In total, 15 new Vande Bharat services joined the network, boosting the total to 164. Additionally, the Amrit Bharat Express made travel more affordable through non-AC services, with 13 new trains added to the fleet.
Connectivity also improved significantly. Two Namo Bharat Rapid Rail trains started operations between Bhuj-Ahmedabad and Jaynagar-Patna, easing congestion on busy routes. The Railways ran a record number of special train services—43,000 in total—especially for major events like the Maha Kumbh and Holi festivities.
In terms of safety, the number of train accidents hit a record low. The average dropped from 171 per year (2004-2014) to just 11 in 2025. This improvement is credited to an increased safety budget, better signaling systems, and the expansion of the Kavach system—an indigenous Automatic Train Protection System. New technologies, including AI for wildlife protection and advanced CCTV, further enhanced safety across the network.
The entire railway infrastructure underwent significant updates. More than 900 kilometers of new tracks were opened, and nearly all of India’s broad gauge network (99.2%) is now electrified. Select routes saw speed increases of up to 130 km/h, optimizing travel times.
Several iconic projects marked this year, such as the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, which offered all-weather connectivity to Kashmir. The completion of impressive structures like the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, stands as a testament to engineering prowess. The Mumbai-Ahmabad High-Speed Railway also made strides, reaching over 55% completion by late 2025.
On the freight side, Indian Railways consolidated its position as the second-largest freight carrier globally. The aim is to handle 3,000 million tons of freight annually by 2029-30. Recent stats reveal that freight corridors managed over 400 trains daily, boosting punctuality across the board.
Indigenization played a crucial role in growth, with local manufacturing of coaches and electric locomotives under the Make in India initiative. Partnerships with private players also increased domestic capabilities and even led to opportunities for exports.
Sustainability and digital transformation accelerated this year, too. Over 2,600 stations now operate on solar energy, and free Wi-Fi is available at more than 6,100 locations. The launch of the RailOne app streamlined ticketing and reduced fraud through Aadhaar verification.
By the end of 2025, Indian Railways successfully completed 42 projects worth over ₹25,000 crores, marking a year of significant achievements and extensive progress.
