New Delhi, January 18 (.) Sustained investment in rail infrastructure has significantly enhanced safety and operational efficiency across the national rail network, with Indian Railways completing track renewal works spanning 6,851 kms during 2024-25.
Projects covering more than 7,500 kms are currently underway and an additional 7,900 kms of track renewal is planned over the next two years.
In a statement issued here, the Ministry of Railways stated that the modernisation push has also sharply expanded high-speed-capable rail corridors, with the length of tracks supporting speeds of 110 kmph and above rising from 31,445 km in 2014 to 84,244 km at present. This jump enables faster and safer train operations across nearly 80 per cent of the country’s rail network.
Substantial progress has also been made in turnout renewal, which is crucial for smooth train movement. In 2024–25, 7,161 Thick Web Switches and 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings were provided. In 2025–26, over 8,000 Thick Web Switches and more than 3,000 Weldable CMS Crossings are being provided.
Mechanised deep screening of ballast, essential for maintaining track stability and improving ride quality, has been carried out consistently. During 2024–25, 7,442 track kilometres of deep screening was completed, while over 7,500 track kilometres of deep screening work is being undertaken in 2025–26.
To support mechanized maintenance and improve productivity, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its track machine fleet. More than 1,100 track machines have been procured since 2014, enabling faster and more efficient maintenance of the railway network, the spokesperson added.
Safety fencing along railway tracks has been taken up on priority to minimize cattle run-over incidents and trespassing, thereby enhancing overall safety. About 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been provided so far, leading to improved safety on sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph.
As a result of these sustained efforts, Indian Railways has achieved remarkable progress in upgrading tracks. The length of track permitting speeds of 110 kmph and above has increased from 31,445 kilometres (about 40 per cent of the network) in 2014 to 84,244 kilometres (about 80 per cent of the network) at present, enabling faster and more efficient train operations, the ministry stated further.
. PWS .