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New Delhi: The Modi government has been developing the Indian Railways network at a rapid pace. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 25th July 2025, informed that more than 78 per cent of Railway tracks have been upgraded for Sectional Speed of 110 kmph and above.
Giving the details of the work done by his government to modernise the Railways in the last 10 years, Vaishnaw in the reply stated that the Upgradation and improvement of railway tracks on Indian Railways to increase the speed potential have been carried out in a big way during the last 10 years.
The Railway tracks were upgraded using 60 kg rails, thick web switches, longer rail panels, modern track renewal and maintenance machines, wider base concrete sleepers, and H Beam sleepers, etc.
Highlighting his government’s initiatives to develop the Indian Railways and provide people with fast, neat and clean trains, the minister cited the example of Vande Bharat trains which are “presently running over the Indian Railway network are Semi-High speed train services with design speed of 180 kmph and maximum operating speed of 160 kmph. The average speed of the train depends upon the geometry of the track, stoppages enroute, maintenance work in the section etc.”
The Railway minister informed that the first sleeper version of Vande Bharat for long routes will soon become a reality. In the written reply, Vaishnaw said the prototype of Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset has already been manufactured. “Based on the extensive field trials and the experience gained therein, the first rake of Vande Bharat sleeper train is undergoing commissioning,” the statement mentioned.
The government gave a green signal to the highest-ever capital allocation of Rs 2.65 lakh crores for the Ministry of Railways in Budget 2025-26. The government had stated that the money will be used for development of infrastructure, modernisation of stations and trains, enhancement of connectivity, safety and comfort for the passengers.
In FY 2025-26, the government has approved a budget allocation of Rs 1,16,514 crore for safety-related initiatives for the Railways. Vaishnaw had informed that the Railways will launch 50 new Namo Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains (Non AC), to provide affordable and accessible travel options.
