Indian Railways has significantly enhanced the speed potential of its track network over the past decade, with 79 per cent of tracks now capable of supporting speeds of 110 kmph and above, compared with just 40 per cent in 2014. The improvement reflects sustained investment in track modernisation and maintenance aimed at faster and safer train operations.

According to official data, large-scale upgradation works have been undertaken over the last 11 years to improve track quality and performance. Key measures include the use of heavier 60 kg rails, wider-base concrete sleepers, thick web switches, longer rail panels, H-beam sleepers, and extensive deployment of modern track renewal and maintenance machines. In addition, interlocking of level crossing gates and intensive monitoring of track geometry have contributed to enhanced operational safety and higher permissible speeds.

As a result of these interventions, the share of tracks with speed potential below 110 kmph has declined sharply to 20.7 per cent in November 2025 from 60.4 per cent in March 2014. Tracks supporting speeds between 110 kmph and 130 kmph now account for 57.5 per cent of the network, up from 33.3 per cent in 2014. Meanwhile, high-speed sections capable of operating at 130 kmph and above have increased more than fourfold, rising from 6.3 per cent to 21.8 per cent of the total track length during the same period.

The total track length of Indian Railways has also expanded, growing from 79,342 km in 2014 to 1,05,672 km in 2025, further strengthening the network’s capacity and reach. Railway officials said the enhanced speed potential is enabling faster passenger services, better timetable adherence and more efficient freight movement.

This information was provided by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, highlighting Indian Railways’ continued focus on infrastructure modernisation and network upgradation.