Transforming Indian Railways: Over 78% of Tracks Upgraded for Speeds of 110 Kmph and Beyond, Says Vaishnaw!

New Delhi: The Indian Railways has made remarkable progress in the last decade. More than 78% of railway tracks are now capable of handling speeds of 110 km/h and above. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this update in Parliament.

To achieve this, several upgrades have been implemented. These include stronger 60 kg rails, wider concrete sleepers, and modern track maintenance machinery. The goal is to enhance safety and efficiency across the network.

Notably, the track length that supports speeds of 130 km/h and above has skyrocketed. In 2014, only 5,036 kilometers of track could accommodate these speeds. By 2025, this figure will reach 23,010 kilometers, making up 21.8% of the total track. Previously, just 6.3% fell into this category.

Furthermore, track length for speeds of 110-130 km/h has more than doubled, increasing from 26,409 kilometers in 2014 to 59,800 kilometers in 2025. Now, this segment represents 56.6% of the total railway network.

On the other hand, sections of track where trains travel at less than 100 km/h have been significantly reduced. The length dropped from 47,897 kilometers to 22,862 kilometers. Previously, over 60% of the tracks required trains to slow down; that number has decreased to 21.6%.

Among the highlights of modern developments is the Vande Bharat train. These semi-high-speed trains can reach design speeds of 180 km/h, with a maximum operational speed of 160 km/h. However, the speed depends on factors like track geometry and station stops.

Additionally, the first prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper train has been produced. Following extensive trials, preparations are underway for its official launch, marking another step forward in India’s railway modernization.

According to a recent survey by the Indian Railways, passenger satisfaction has improved noticeably, with over 85% of riders expressing approval for the new services and upgrades. This positive feedback highlights the effectiveness of these enhancements in making train travel more efficient and enjoyable.

With these improvements, the Indian Railways aims not only to boost speed but also to enhance passenger safety and comfort. As the network continues evolving, the future of train travel in India looks promising.

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Ashwini Vaishnaw,Indian Railways,New Delhi,Vaishnaw