The Indian Railways is in a reset mode, for a change. The practice has chugged up the hill in Kashmir and Mizoram. The sight of a rail winding by way of the mountains and the terrains overwhelmed the residents in Kashmir and Mizoram (Bairabi-Sairang railway line) held again in rising alienation by historical past and geography for ages. Their inclusion into ever increasing ambit of Indian transport is a step stone to prosperity. The promise of the unimaginable North East and even Kashmir had lengthy been buried deep into establishment.
The three capitals of the Northeast, Guwahati, Agartala and Itanagar, are already related to the nationwide rail community. The Shokhuvi-Molvom part in Nagaland was accomplished in March 2025, with additional sections to Kohima (Zubza) beneath building and anticipated to open by 2026-2029. The Murkongselek — Sille stretch in Arunachal Pradesh is to open in a few months, if not earlier, with the Sille-Pasighat part following in February 2026.
Assam noticed new Amrit Bharat trains and new railway hyperlinks authorized, boosting connectivity and financial prospects. The Indian Railways has additionally illuminated a number of areas of darkness like Palamu, Jharkhand, the one state within the nation the place the operation of Rajdhani Categorical was restricted and irregular.
Connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari, completion of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Hyperlink (USBRL) included the development of the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, and the Anji Bridge, India’s first rail cable bridge. The New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical raise sea bridge, changed the 105-year-old Pamban Bridge. The inauguration left many gasping with awe and admiration the world over, given the audacity of the magnitude defying the geography and the know-how. The inspiration is drawn from the management up the order.
Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw is usually sitting with the driving force working down a check drive fraught with the dangers of an inaugural drive. The Minister is neither sure by a rule nor required by a customized to tread an un-trodden path. For sure, the message is quietly communicated to maintain shifting with out concern. Even within the aftermath of the railway accidents, the Minister himself stays current on the website of the accident like a typical passenger or sufferer, sitting on the tracks or on the culvert even at night time to examine. After all, the criticisms maintain flying thick and quick. The opposition and the doomsayers are all the time far eliminated, and for a goal as nicely. The space lends enchantment too.
But when it was really easy, why may the earlier ministers worthy of salt not set such an instance? In spite of everything, it’s neither an obligation beneath any rule nor a requirement. Nonetheless, a brand new begin shouldn’t be a hostage to the previous for an individual possessed with a mission. The reduction and distribution work within the aftermath of an accident is greatest accomplished in an overdrive. Minister’s presence ensures the dear time shouldn’t be misplaced to avoid wasting a sufferer from the clutches of crimson tape all the time prepared with salt to harm of the victims already reeling beneath the misfortune. Even small act of gratitude is gorgeous, go away alone the large leaps. Taking part in Chhath songs and music on loudspeakers at stations and within the trains ferrying the religious passengers to Bihar was one other unforgettable nice shock to all of the passengers that has by no means occurred earlier than and should by no means occur sooner or later. However resonating so small however interior chords deep within the hearts of passengers is a reminiscence that will probably be cherished for the remainder of their lives. Railways additionally efficiently made up for the earlier mismanagements with a coronary heart and compassion.
Treating our passengers as part of its personal, this compassion for his or her well-being provides a contact of sweetness to assist overcome the apparent discomforts of a troublesome journey, the horrific crowds and the stretched system throughout Chhath. It is a reflection of the
elementary change happening inside Indian Railways.
That’s to not say every part is ideal and there’s nothing left for an enchancment. There’s nonetheless lots to appropriate. However the wheels are turning, the engine is roaring sturdy, and most significantly, the priorities are clear and proper. The statistics under bear a sworn statement to the wheels of the Railways chugging into unchartered territories. Renewable power capability reached 2,014 MW, with 375 MW photo voltaic and 103 MW wind power commissioned in 2024-25. Manufacturing milestones included 700 locomotives by CLW and 477 by BLW, setting new annual information. Coach manufacturing additionally noticed a 9 per cent progress, with 7,134 coaches manufactured. Observe renewal reached 6,450 km, turnout renewals 8,550, and 6,200 km of rails had been renewed, with velocity upgrades on 2,000 km to 130 kmph and seven,200 km to 110 kmph. Freight loading reached 1,473 million tonnes (MT), displaying a 3.86 per cent progress, supported by Devoted Freight Corridors (DFCs) which facilitated over 72,000 practice runs. Common velocity of products trains improved by 18.1 per cent, from 13.40 to fifteen.82 kmph and mail/categorical punctuality stood at 93.78 per cent for the yr. A document 136 Vande Bharat trains had been launched, with the launch of the primary Namo Bharat Speedy Rail. Vande Bharat now operates on over 40 routes nationwide.The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme noticed work begin on 1,198 stations out of 1,337 focused, modernising station infrastructure. Over 10,000 locomotives had been outfitted with Kavach, the indigenous practice safety system, enhancing security. Indian Railways electrified a document 7,188 km of railway traces, averaging 14.5 km per day, surpassing earlier years and advancing the aim of 100 per cent electrification. The Amrit Bharat Station redevelopment scheme is modernising stations throughout the nation, enhancing facilities and accessibility.
Indian Railways has prioritised digital transformation, renewable power adoption, and eco-friendly practices to make sure a sustainable future. These developments collectively show a transparent upward pattern in Indian Railways’ operational effectivity, security and passenger expertise over the past 5 years. Over 23,000 observe kilometers have been upgraded to help speeds as much as
130 kmph, and 54,337 km upgraded for 110 kmph, enhancing each passenger and freight transit effectivity. Electrification of broad-gauge tracks has superior quickly, with 6,577 route kilometers electrified in 2023 alone. Modernisation efforts embody the introduction of LHB coaches, onboard Wi-Fi at over 9,000 stations, sensible ticketing and enhanced security applied sciences.
Creator is a senior journalist and political communications knowledgeable; views are private
Leave a Reply