Indian Railways has made significant strides in modernising its track infrastructure and strengthening safety standards, driven by sustained investment and focused execution over the past decade. According to the Ministry of Railways, the efforts have resulted in safer, faster and more reliable train operations across large parts of the national rail network.
In the financial year 2024-25, Indian Railways completed track renewal over 6,851 kilometres. The momentum continues in the current financial year 2025-26, with renewal work underway on more than 7,500 kilometres of track. Plans are also in place to renew 7,900 kilometres of track in 2026-27, underscoring the railways’ long-term emphasis on asset reliability and passenger safety.
Turnout renewal, which plays a crucial role in smooth train movement at junctions and crossings, has also seen steady progress. During 2024-25, the railways installed 7,161 Thick Web Switches and 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings. In 2025–26, provisioning has increased further, with more than 8,000 Thick Web Switches and over 3,000 Weldable CMS Crossings being installed.
Mechanised deep screening of ballast, essential for track stability and improved ride quality, has been carried out at scale. In 2024–25, deep screening was completed over 7,442 kilometres of track, while more than 7,500 kilometres are being covered in the ongoing financial year.
To support faster and more efficient maintenance, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its mechanised capabilities. Since 2014, over 1,100 track machines have been inducted, improving productivity and enabling timely upkeep of the extensive rail network.
Safety measures have also been strengthened through extensive fencing along railway tracks to prevent cattle run-over incidents and unauthorised trespassing. Around 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been installed so far, particularly on high-speed sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph.
The Railways ministry said that these sustained modernisation efforts have translated into a sharp increase in high-speed-capable track length. The network permitting train speeds of 110 kmph and above has nearly doubled—from 31,445 kilometres, or about 40 per cent of the network, in 2014 to 84,244 kilometres, or nearly 80 per cent, at present. This expansion is enabling faster services, improved punctuality and enhanced passenger comfort across much of the Indian Railways network.
