India to Prioritise Railway Modernisation in 2025/26 Budget
ECONOMY & POLICY

India to Prioritise Railway Modernisation in 2025/26 Budget

The Indian government is set to significantly increase funding for railway modernisation in the upcoming federal budget while making a modest rise in road infrastructure allocations, according to two government sources. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has prioritised infrastructure spending to boost economic growth post-pandemic, is now shifting focus to railways due to challenges in road project execution. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the 2025/26 budget on February 1. 

The railways ministry is expected to receive a budget allocation of Rs 2.9 trillion to Rs 3 trillion, up from Rs 2.55 trillion in the current fiscal year. This increase will support the expansion of Indian Railways' 68,000 km network, the production of 400 high-speed Vande Bharat trains by March 2027, and improvements in rail freight infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, the road transport ministry anticipates a 3-4% budget increase, reaching approximately Rs 2.9 trillion. Despite a six-fold rise in road infrastructure spending over the past decade and a 60% expansion of the national road network to 146,000 km, the ministry faces constraints due to land acquisition challenges and spending limits.
 
Policymakers have raised concerns over the road transport ministry's slower spending pace, with only 54% of its full-year budget utilised by November 2024, compared to 76% by the railways ministry. Delays caused by national and state elections have also impacted road project execution. The ministry is now focusing on raising funds through internal resources to address these challenges. 

(ET)          

The Indian government is set to significantly increase funding for railway modernisation in the upcoming federal budget while making a modest rise in road infrastructure allocations, according to two government sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has prioritised infrastructure spending to boost economic growth post-pandemic, is now shifting focus to railways due to challenges in road project execution. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the 2025/26 budget on February 1. The railways ministry is expected to receive a budget allocation of Rs 2.9 trillion to Rs 3 trillion, up from Rs 2.55 trillion in the current fiscal year. This increase will support the expansion of Indian Railways' 68,000 km network, the production of 400 high-speed Vande Bharat trains by March 2027, and improvements in rail freight infrastructure. Meanwhile, the road transport ministry anticipates a 3-4% budget increase, reaching approximately Rs 2.9 trillion. Despite a six-fold rise in road infrastructure spending over the past decade and a 60% expansion of the national road network to 146,000 km, the ministry faces constraints due to land acquisition challenges and spending limits. Policymakers have raised concerns over the road transport ministry's slower spending pace, with only 54% of its full-year budget utilised by November 2024, compared to 76% by the railways ministry. Delays caused by national and state elections have also impacted road project execution. The ministry is now focusing on raising funds through internal resources to address these challenges. (ET)          

Next Story
Real Estate

Dharavi Rising

Dharavi, Asia’s largest informal settlement, stands on the cusp of a historic transformation. With an ambitious urban renewal project finally taking shape, millions of residents are looking ahead with hope. But delivering a project of this scale brings immense challenges – from land acquisition to rehabilitate ineligible residents outside Dharavi and rehabilitation to infrastructure development. It also requires balancing commercial goals with deep-rooted social impact. At the helm is SVR Srinivas, IAS, CEO & Officer on Special Duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), Government..

Next Story
Real Estate

MLDL Records 20.4% Growth in Pre-Sales

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. In line with INDAS 115, the company recognises revenues using the completion of contract method. Key highlights FY25: Consolidated sales (Residential and IC&IC) of Rs 32.99 billion. Gross development value (GDV) additions in FY25 were Rs 1.81 trillion compared to Rs 440 billion in FY24 (~4x growth). Residential pre-sales of Rs 28.04 billion in FY25, reflecting 20.4% growth o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

UCSL Delivers India's First Green Cargo Vessel to Norway

In a landmark achievement for Indian shipbuilding and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has delivered the first of six next-generation green cargo vessels to Norway-based Wilson Ship Management AS, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping operator. The 3,800 DWT vessel, named Wilson Eco 1, was handed over during a ceremony at New Mangalore Port. The delivery is part of a Rs 5.06 billion project supported by Norway’s green maritime funding programme, marking India's entry into the European eco-friendly ca..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?