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.

Infrastructure Transport

19 Jan 2026

PM Modi Dedicates Rs 8.30 Bn Waterways, Rail Projects in Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone of and flagged off multiple development projects worth more than Rs 8.30 billion at Singur in Hooghly district, West Bengal, giving a major boost to rail and inland waterways infrastructure in the state. The projects are aimed at strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving cargo movement and accelerating regional economic growth.Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that after visiting Malda a day earlier, he was pleased to interact with people in Hooghly. He emphasised that the development of eastern India is..

Infrastructure Urban

19 Jan 2026

Dr Jitendra Singh Launches India’s First Open-Sea Fish Farming Project

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, launched India’s first-ever open-sea Marine Fish Farming project in the Andaman Sea, marking a major milestone in harnessing the country’s vast ocean resources for economic growth. The project was inaugurated at North Bay, Vijaya Puram, during the Minister’s field visit to the open waters of the Andaman Sea.Describing the initiative as a significant step towards realising the Blue Economy vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said the project re..

Infrastructure Urban

19 Jan 2026

India Aims for Self-Reliance, Global Hub Status in Ammunition: Rajnath Singh

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving Aatmanirbharta in ammunition manufacturing and positioning India as a global production hub in the defence sector. He was speaking after inaugurating a Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace n Nagpur, Maharashtra, on January 19, 2026.Recalling a period when ammunition shortages adversely affected India’s defence preparedness, Rajnath Singh said the experience underscored the critical need for self-reliance in defence production. He stated that under the leadership ..