THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 18, 2026

Indian Railways has made substantial strides in strengthening its track infrastructure and elevating safety standards over the last eleven years, driven by sustained investment and focused execution. These efforts are translating into safer, faster and more reliable train operations across the country, reinforcing the national transporter’s role as the backbone of India’s mobility network.

In the financial year 2024–25, Indian Railways undertook track renewal across 6,851 track kilometres, marking a significant push towards asset reliability. The momentum has gathered pace in the current financial year 2025–26, with more than 7,500 track kilometres of renewal work already underway. Looking ahead, track renewal covering 7,900 track kilometres is planned for 2026–27, underscoring the organisation’s sustained emphasis on safety and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Turnout renewal, a critical component for ensuring smooth and efficient train movement, has also witnessed notable progress. During 2024–25, Indian Railways provided 7,161 Thick Web Switches along with 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings. This effort has been further scaled up in 2025–26, with over 8,000 Thick Web Switches and more than 3,000 Weldable CMS Crossings being provided to strengthen network performance.

Mechanised deep screening of ballast, essential for maintaining track stability and improving ride quality, has been carried out consistently. In 2024–25, deep screening was completed over 7,442 track kilometres, while more than 7,500 track kilometres of such work is currently in progress during 2025–26, reflecting a sustained focus on modern maintenance practices.

To support mechanised maintenance and enhance productivity, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its track machine fleet. Since 2014, more than 1,100 track machines have been procured, enabling faster, more precise and efficient maintenance across the vast railway network.

Safety fencing along railway tracks has also been prioritised to minimise cattle run-over incidents and trespassing. About 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been provided so far, leading to improved safety, particularly on sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph.

These sustained and multi-pronged initiatives have yielded tangible outcomes. The length of railway track permitting speeds of 110 kmph and above has increased dramatically from 31,445 kilometres, about 40 per cent of the network in 2014, to 84,244 kilometres at present, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the network. This expansion is enabling faster, more efficient train operations and marking a decisive shift towards a safer and modernised Indian Railways.