Indian Railways Posts Record Growth And Rapid Modernisation

06 Apr 2026 CW Team

Rail operations remained robust, with around 25,000 trains running daily to ensure widespread connectivity, and additional special services deployed during peak demand periods to ease travel. Freight transportation reached a historic high of 1,670 million tonnes (mn t) of loading for the year, supporting the movement of coal, cement, fertilisers and food grains across supply chains.

Manufacturing outcomes under the Make in India initiative included the production of 1,674 locomotives and 6,677 LHB coaches, contributing to safer and more comfortable travel. Passenger services advanced with the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains alongside existing Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat services, enhancing long distance options and overall journey experience.

Safety measures accelerated with the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system commissioned on over 3,100 route kilometres and a further 24,400 kilometres planned for implementation. Digital transformation progressed with the July 2025 launch of the RailOne App, which consolidated ticketing, enquiries and grievance redressal, and with the removal of over 30.4 million (mn) suspicious user accounts to promote fair access. Infrastructure initiatives included the commissioning of 35 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals and the redevelopment of 119 Amrit Bharat stations, while connectivity projects such as the Bairabi–Sairang rail line and bridge works to Jammu and Kashmir improved regional links and livelihoods. The organisation signalled continued commitment to building an efficient, technology led and passenger centric rail network aligned with the national development vision.

Indian Railways recorded a year of strong and well rounded progress in FY 2025–26, completing significant milestones across freight operations, passenger services, infrastructure development and safety systems. The achievements reflect a balanced emphasis on capacity expansion, technology driven modernisation and self reliance in manufacturing that supported economic activity and enhanced national connectivity. Rail operations remained robust, with around 25,000 trains running daily to ensure widespread connectivity, and additional special services deployed during peak demand periods to ease travel. Freight transportation reached a historic high of 1,670 million tonnes (mn t) of loading for the year, supporting the movement of coal, cement, fertilisers and food grains across supply chains. Manufacturing outcomes under the Make in India initiative included the production of 1,674 locomotives and 6,677 LHB coaches, contributing to safer and more comfortable travel. Passenger services advanced with the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains alongside existing Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat services, enhancing long distance options and overall journey experience. Safety measures accelerated with the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system commissioned on over 3,100 route kilometres and a further 24,400 kilometres planned for implementation. Digital transformation progressed with the July 2025 launch of the RailOne App, which consolidated ticketing, enquiries and grievance redressal, and with the removal of over 30.4 million (mn) suspicious user accounts to promote fair access. Infrastructure initiatives included the commissioning of 35 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals and the redevelopment of 119 Amrit Bharat stations, while connectivity projects such as the Bairabi–Sairang rail line and bridge works to Jammu and Kashmir improved regional links and livelihoods. The organisation signalled continued commitment to building an efficient, technology led and passenger centric rail network aligned with the national development vision.

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