Indian Railways has stepped up investment in track modernisation and safety, completing large-scale renewal works and expanding high-speed-capable sections across much of its national network, government data showed on Saturday.
During the 2024–25 financial year, Indian Railways renewed 6,851 kilometres of track as part of a sustained effort to improve asset reliability and operational safety. More than 7,500 kilometres of track renewal work is currently under way in 2025–26, with a further 7,900 kilometres planned for 2026–27.
The rail operator has also accelerated turnout renewal, which is critical for smooth train movement and junction safety. In 2024–25, it installed 7,161 thick web switches and 1,704 weldable CMS crossings. In the current financial year, more than 8,000 thick web switches and over 3,000 weldable CMS crossings are being provided.
Mechanised deep screening of ballast, a key process for maintaining track stability and ride quality, has continued at scale. Indian Railways completed deep screening over 7,442 kilometres in 2024–25, with more than 7,500 kilometres of similar work under way in 2025–26.
To support mechanised maintenance and improve productivity, the rail operator has expanded its track machine fleet significantly. More than 1,100 track machines have been procured since 2014, enabling faster execution of maintenance and renewal works across the network.
Safety fencing has also been prioritised to reduce cattle run-over incidents and trespassing. Around 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been installed so far, particularly on sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 km per hour.
As a result of these measures, the length of track capable of supporting speeds of 110 km per hour and above has risen sharply. High-speed-capable track now extends to 84,244 kilometres, or about 80 per cent of the national rail network, compared with 31,445 kilometres, or around 40 per cent, in 2014.
The expansion is expected to support faster, safer and more reliable train operations as Indian Railways continues to modernise one of the world’s largest rail networks.
