Railway Modernisation Boosts Safety Amenities And Capacity

03 Apr 2026 CW Team

The Gross Budgetary Support for capital investment in Indian Railways (IR) has risen markedly from Rs 290,550 mn in 2013–14 to Rs 2,780,000 mn in 2026–27, reflecting sustained fiscal prioritisation. The Budget Estimates 2026–27 provide Rs 2,780,300 mn as gross support, with Rs 790,720 mn earmarked for new track construction.

Track modernisation and renewal have been prioritised, with approximately 54,600 km renewed between 2014 and February 2026. Expenditure on safety activities for 2026–27 is estimated at Rs 1,203,890 mn, of which Rs 461,890 mn is allocated for track safety. These investments aim to ensure permitted speeds and operational resilience.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has identified 1,338 stations for redevelopment, including 157 in Aspirational Districts, and 208 stations have been completed so far. Customer amenities expenditure under Plan Head-53 totalled Rs 352,070 mn over the last three years and the current year, with a revised allocation of Rs 121,200 mn for 2025–26 and expenditure of Rs 118,920 mn up to February 2026. Free Wi-Fi services are now available at 6,117 stations and energy efficiency measures have delivered 100 per cent LED lighting across offices, stations and residential colonies.

Vande Bharat trains have expanded with 81 pairs in operation and average occupancy around 100 per cent during 2024–25. The Marathwada Rail Coach Factory (MRCF) at Latur is producing 120 Vande Bharat trainsets after being set up at a cost of Rs 6,857.9 mn, and a manufacturing unit at Kazipet is being established at about Rs 5,213.6 mn to produce modern MEMU stock. The railways reported that consequential train accidents fell by 89 per cent to 16 in 2025–26, reflecting strengthened safety measures and improved accident indices.

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