Indian Railways Steps Up Track Modernisation, Safety Drive

19 Jan 2026 CW Team

During the financial year 2024–25, track renewal works were completed across 6,851 track kilometres. In the current financial year 2025–26, more than 7,500 track kilometres are undergoing renewal, while plans are in place to cover 7,900 track kilometres in 2026–27. This sustained momentum underlines the Railways’ continued emphasis on asset reliability and long-term safety.

Considerable progress has also been achieved in turnout renewal, a key element for smooth and safe train movement. In 2024–25, Indian Railways provided 7,161 Thick Web Switches and 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings. The scale of work has increased further in 2025–26, with over 8,000 Thick Web Switches and more than 3,000 Weldable CMS Crossings being installed.

Mechanised deep screening of ballast, essential for maintaining track stability and improving ride quality, has been undertaken consistently. In 2024–25, deep screening was completed over 7,442 track kilometres, while more than 7,500 track kilometres are being covered in 2025–26.

To support mechanised maintenance and enhance productivity, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its track machine fleet. Since 2014, over 1,100 track machines have been procured, enabling faster, more efficient and safer maintenance operations.

Safety fencing has also been prioritised to reduce cattle run-over incidents and trespassing. Around 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been installed, particularly on high-speed sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph.

As a result of these sustained efforts, the length of track permitting speeds of 110 kmph and above has increased from 31,445 kilometres, or about 40 per cent of the network in 2014, to 84,244 kilometres, nearly 80 per cent of the network at present, marking a major leap in operational efficiency and safety.

Indian Railways has made significant strides in modernising its track infrastructure and strengthening safety standards through sustained investment and focused execution over the past eleven years. These initiatives have played a crucial role in enabling safer, faster and more reliable train operations across the national network.During the financial year 2024–25, track renewal works were completed across 6,851 track kilometres. In the current financial year 2025–26, more than 7,500 track kilometres are undergoing renewal, while plans are in place to cover 7,900 track kilometres in 2026–27. This sustained momentum underlines the Railways’ continued emphasis on asset reliability and long-term safety.Considerable progress has also been achieved in turnout renewal, a key element for smooth and safe train movement. In 2024–25, Indian Railways provided 7,161 Thick Web Switches and 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings. The scale of work has increased further in 2025–26, with over 8,000 Thick Web Switches and more than 3,000 Weldable CMS Crossings being installed.Mechanised deep screening of ballast, essential for maintaining track stability and improving ride quality, has been undertaken consistently. In 2024–25, deep screening was completed over 7,442 track kilometres, while more than 7,500 track kilometres are being covered in 2025–26.To support mechanised maintenance and enhance productivity, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its track machine fleet. Since 2014, over 1,100 track machines have been procured, enabling faster, more efficient and safer maintenance operations.Safety fencing has also been prioritised to reduce cattle run-over incidents and trespassing. Around 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been installed, particularly on high-speed sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph.As a result of these sustained efforts, the length of track permitting speeds of 110 kmph and above has increased from 31,445 kilometres, or about 40 per cent of the network in 2014, to 84,244 kilometres, nearly 80 per cent of the network at present, marking a major leap in operational efficiency and safety.

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