Transforming NE India: How Viksit Rail is Elevating Bharat from ‘World Class’ to ‘Best in Class’

The Indian Railways is a vital part of India’s growth story. Over the past decade, from 2014 to 2024, it has transformed significantly, becoming one of the fastest-growing railway networks in the world.

What sets India’s railway system apart is its public policy. The focus has been on making the railways accessible and affordable for the average person. With around 22 million people using the service daily, the railways serve as an important part of their economic lives while also supporting India’s industrial ambitions.

Critics often point to the slow growth of railway infrastructure. While it’s true that the total length of tracks increased by only about 68,000 km since 1950, it’s essential to understand the growth in track capacity. In the last decade, Indian Railways laid 31,000 km of new tracks, a significant improvement compared to just 14,900 km in the previous ten years. This growth came with a remarkable increase in freight loading, from 8,473 million tons to 12,660 million tons, showing a substantial rise in efficiency and capacity. Revenue jumped from ₹8.64 lakh crore to ₹18.56 lakh crore during the same period.

Another big change was the merger of the railway budget with the main government budget. This decision reflected a modern approach to financing railway projects, bringing in a budgetary support of ₹8.25 lakh crore over the last decade, compared to just ₹1.56 lakh crore earlier.

Aiming for an eco-friendly future, Indian Railways is close to achieving 100% electrification. This move will not only reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also help lower the carbon footprint significantly. The introduction of anti-collision systems across its network is another step towards improving safety.

Public perception is changing as well. Many feel that the quality of trains and services has improved dramatically. Where once “export quality” goods were something of a myth reserved for wealthier countries, India now aims to provide world-class services domestically.

The government has pushed for advanced technologies, blending global innovations with local needs. Exciting developments are on the horizon, like the introduction of India’s first hydrogen trains, expected to deliver 1,200 horsepower. When compared to many developed countries still lagging in this technology, India is setting ambitious benchmarks.

In terms of collaboration, India has signed agreements with firms like Elon Musk-backed Swiss Pod to explore hyperloop technology. This places India among a few nations leading the future of transportation. Additionally, Chinese companies are actively participating in local projects, achieving impressive levels of localization in manufacturing.

In broader terms, Indian Railways is not just about trains. It’s paving connections across South Asia and envisioning links to Europe, showcasing its potential as a global player in transportation. The ongoing transformation, encapsulated in the motto “Viksit Rail Viksit Bharat,” signifies a continuous journey rather than a distant goal.

As we approach 2047, the Indian Railways is more than a mode of transport; it’s a symbol of national progress and innovation. This story of growth and development is one for other nations to learn from, especially those striving to enhance their infrastructure and connectivity.

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