Indian Railways recorded a year of steady infrastructure expansion and service upgrades in 2025, with progress visible across passenger services, safety systems, network capacity, and freight operations. The year reflected continued execution of long-term modernisation plans, supported by large-scale investment, technology adoption, and project completion across regions.
From the rollout of new train services and faster sections to track renewal, electrification, and landmark connectivity projects, 2025 marked another step in strengthening the rail network’s capacity, reliability, and reach. These developments were accompanied by focused efforts to improve safety outcomes, passenger experience, and freight efficiency, reinforcing the railways’ role in national mobility and logistics.
Passenger services: Faster, safer, and more comfortable travel
As of 26 December 2025, a total of 164 Vande Bharat train services are operational across the Indian Railways network. During the calendar year 2025, 15 new Vande Bharat Express trains were introduced. Looking ahead, the Vande Bharat Sleeper trainset is nearing operational readiness and is expected to redefine long-distance overnight travel by combining higher speeds with modern amenities.
Amrit Bharat services, fully non-AC trains comprising 12 Sleeper Class coaches and eight General Class coaches, continued to expand affordable, comfortable travel for the common passenger. During 2025, 13 new Amrit Bharat Express trains were introduced, taking the total operational services to 30 across the network.
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services were introduced to strengthen short- and medium-distance regional connectivity. Two services are currently operational between Bhuj–Ahmedabad and Jaynagar–Patna, improving mobility in high-demand corridors.
To manage seasonal and festival-related travel demand, Indian Railways significantly scaled up special train operations in 2025. Over 43,000 special train trips were operated during the year. This included 17,340 trips for the Maha Kumbh, 1,144 for Holi, 12,417 summer special trains, and 12,383 trains for Chhath Puja, reflecting enhanced planning and passenger-focused operations.
Rail infrastructure: Track renewal and capacity enhancement
Between 1 April and 30 November 2025, Indian Railways commissioned over 900 kilometres of new track. From 2014 to 2025, a total of 34,428 kilometres of new track has been laid, averaging 8.57 km per day, more than double the pace recorded between 2009 and 2014.
In 2025, extensive renewal works were carried out to ensure safer and faster operations. This included renewal of 6,880 track kilometres with new rails, complete track renewal of 7,051 track kilometres, and renewal of 9,277 turnout sets. Track maintenance capabilities were further strengthened with the induction of 61 new track machines during the year and the upgrade of tamping technology to high-output dynamic systems.
Sectional speeds were enhanced across multiple routes. Speeds of 130 kmph were achieved over 599 track kilometres, including sections of the Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal. Additionally, 110 kmph speeds were achieved over 4,069 track kilometres, improving punctuality and travel times.
Electrification: Towards a greener network
Electrification continued in mission mode, with approximately 99.2 per cent of the Broad Gauge network electrified. Fourteen railway zones and 25 States and Union Territories have achieved 100 per cent electrification. This level exceeds electrification benchmarks of several major rail networks globally and supports cleaner, energy-efficient operations.
Decline in accidents through technology and investment
During 2025, Indian Railways completed 1,161 Road Over Bridges and Road Under Bridges. Over the past 11 years, more than 13,600 such structures have been built, compared to 4,148 during 2004–2014. Additionally, 268 manned level crossings were eliminated during 2025–26 (up to November), and 1,799 railway bridges were rehabilitated or upgraded.
As a result, train accidents declined sharply, from an annual average of 171 during 2004–14 to 31 in 2024–25, and further to 11 in 2025–26 (up to November). The safety budget increased from ₹39,463 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1,16,470 crore in the current financial year. Kavach Version 4.0 was commissioned over 738 route kilometres, incorporating improved location accuracy, enhanced signal integration, and station-to-station interfaces over optical fibre.
Coach manufacturing and modernisation
During FY 2025–26 (up to November), 4,224 LHB coaches were produced, representing an 18 per cent increase over the previous year. Between 2014 and 2025, Indian Railways manufactured over 42,600 LHB coaches. Production during the current period was distributed across ICF Chennai (1,659 coaches), MCF Raebareli (1,234), and RCF Kapurthala (1,331).
Landmark connectivity projects
The 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link was completed and dedicated in 2025. The project includes 36 major tunnels and 943 bridges, including the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Anji cable-stayed bridge, and the T-50 tunnel, India’s longest operational railway tunnel.
The 51-km Bairabi–Sairang line in Mizoram was inaugurated in September 2025, connecting Aizawl to the national rail network for the first time. The project includes 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges.
The New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge, was inaugurated in April 2025. Spanning 2.08 km, it restores rail connectivity to Rameswaram and strengthens tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure.
The Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project achieved 55.63 per cent physical progress and 69.62 per cent financial progress by 30 November 2025, with extensive completion of foundations, piers, girder casting, and launching.
India becomes the world’s second-largest freight carrier
Indian Railways moved steadily towards its 3,000 MT annual loading target for 2029–30, becoming the world’s second-largest freight carrier. Dedicated Freight Corridors carried an average of over 400 trains per day, improving network decongestion and punctuality.
Gati Shakti Cargo terminals and wagon production
Twenty-five new Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals were commissioned during the year. Wagon production reached a record 41,929 units in FY 2024–25, with 33,703 wagons produced between January and November 2025.
First-of-its-kind freight operations
For the first time, a foodgrain freight train reached Anantnag in Kashmir. Rail-based cement movement began in Mizoram, and cars were transported by rail to Sairang, strengthening logistics in remote regions.
Digital upgrades
Under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, 1,337 stations were identified for redevelopment. As of December 2025, 155 stations were fully modernised, with work underway at 1,182 stations.
A total of 2,626 stations are now solar-powered, with 898 MW of solar capacity commissioned. Free Wi-Fi is available at 6,117 stations. The RailOne app was launched as a unified digital platform for passenger services.
Security and human resource development
Railway Protection Force initiatives covered passenger assistance, child rescue, women’s safety, anti-touting measures, narcotics control, and human trafficking prevention, with detailed operational outcomes recorded across 2025.
Recruitments
Recruitment for over 1.2 lakh vacancies was undertaken across Indian Railways. In sports, out-of-turn promotions were granted to Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, and Renuka Singh Thakur following India’s ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 victory.
Indian Railways enters 2026 with better infrastructure, expanded services, and a clear roadmap for further modernisation. With continued focus on safety, sustainability, passenger comfort, and freight efficiency, Indian Railways remains committed to delivering a reliable, inclusive, and future-ready transport network for the nation.
