Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the transformation of India’s railway network through track modernisation, sharing an article by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw that details improvements in speed, safety and reliability.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Modernisation of railway tracks is powering a faster and more dependable network. Track renewal, advanced testing and mechanised maintenance have improved ride quality and ensured higher speeds.” He noted that “these changes are reducing delays, supporting smoother journeys and helping railways meet growing passenger and freight demand across the country.”
Vaishnaw’s article outlines how Indian Railways has undertaken a large-scale modernisation programme over the past decade, focusing on upgrading track infrastructure and adopting new technologies. Since 2014, around 55,000 km of tracks have been renewed, while stronger rails and longer panels have been introduced to reduce joints and improve safety and smoothness.
He said that advanced inspection techniques such as ultrasonic flaw detection, phased-array testing and GPS-enabled monitoring systems are now being widely used to detect faults early. These efforts have significantly reduced rail and weld failures by nearly 90 per cent, marking a shift from reactive repairs to preventive maintenance.
Mechanisation has also played a key role, with the number of track machines more than doubling over the years. These machines enable efficient ballast cleaning, tamping and rail grinding, improving track stability and ride comfort while reducing maintenance time.
Vaishnaw said that the modernisation drive has led to a sharp increase in speed capacity across the network. Nearly 80 per cent of railway tracks now support speeds of 110 kmph or higher, while the share of tracks capable of handling 130 kmph and above has risen substantially. This has helped reduce travel time and improve punctuality, while enabling the expansion of semi-high-speed services.
Safety indicators have also shown marked improvement. Consequential train accidents have dropped significantly over the past decade, even as the number of trains and passengers has increased.
Vaishnaw further highlighted the use of digital tools such as a web-based Track Management System, which integrates data from inspections and monitoring systems to support timely decision-making and maintenance planning.
He said that these sustained investments and reforms are helping transform India’s railway infrastructure into a safer, faster and more efficient network, capable of meeting the growing demands of passengers and industry.
