New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared that the Indian Railways had an impressive year in FY 2025-26. They reached a record high in freight loading, moving 1,670 million tonnes. This boost signals the railway’s strong capability to transport vital goods like coal, cement, fertilizers, and food grains, which are crucial for supply chains.
The Minister emphasized the continued improvement in both freight and passenger services. Notably, the Vande Bharat service is expanding with new sleeper variants, enhancing comfort for long-distance travelers. Overall, the rail network is robust, operating about 25,000 trains daily.
To meet rising passenger demand, additional special trains were introduced during peak times. On the manufacturing side, Indian Railways produced 1,674 locomotives and 6,677 LHB coaches, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative and boosting travel safety.
Safety has been a top priority, particularly with the rollout of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection System. This system is now operational on over 3,100 route kilometers, with plans to expand to an additional 24,400 kilometers.
Digital innovation is also advancing. The RailOne App launched in July 2025 provides a one-stop platform for ticket bookings, train inquiries, and handling complaints. Efforts have also been made to improve user security by eliminating over 3.04 crore suspicious accounts.
Infrastructure development has not lagged behind, with the completion of 35 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals and the renewal of 119 stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Rail connectivity in strategic areas has also improved, with new links to Aizawl in Mizoram and enhanced access in Jammu and Kashmir.
These advancements indicate not just growth but a commitment to modernizing Indian Railways while ensuring safety and efficiency. As rail travel continues to evolve, public response remains positive, with travelers appreciating the enhanced services and improved infrastructure.
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Indian Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Freight Transport, Infrastructure Development, Railway Modernisation
