Indian Railways Investments Transforming Infrastructure

24 Sep 2024 CW Team

Indian Railways is undergoing a transformative journey, with projected investments of ?17.4 lakh crore from fiscal 2016 to 2025, reflecting a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This positions the railways as a crucial element in India’s ambition to achieve a high-income economy.

Infrastructure Development Highlights:

Electrification: As of fiscal 2024, over 94% of the broad-gauge network is electrified. High-Speed Rail: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is under construction at ?1.08 lakh crore, set to reduce travel time to just two hours at speeds up to 320 km/h. Dedicated Freight Corridor: Over 3,300 km is being developed to improve freight efficiency and relieve congestion on passenger lines. Track Doubling: Indian Railways has completed 15,861 km of track doubling since fiscal 2016, enhancing network capacity. Operational Advancements:

82 Vande Bharat and 8 Tejas Express trains are operational. 144 locomotives are equipped with Kavach, an indigenous automatic train protection system. Challenges and Revenue Diversification: Despite these advancements, the report notes the need for Indian Railways to diversify revenue sources, as budgetary allocations have increased only 2.8% this fiscal. Suggested strategies include:

Vicinity development around stations. Premium services for passengers. Data monetization to boost revenue. Future Plans: Indian Railways aims to:

Construct 100,000 km of new railway tracks in the next two decades. Expand Kavach to cover 44,000 km within five years. Produce 400 new Vande Bharat trains in three years. Station Modernization and Digital Innovations: The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme will redevelop 553 stations with a ?1 lakh crore budget. Enhancements will include improved waiting areas, digital ticketing, and green buildings. Free Wi-Fi has been installed at over 6,000 stations, alongside a next-generation e-ticketing system capable of processing 26,000 tickets per minute.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..