Indian Railways is set to make significant strides in its technological and infrastructural capabilities, underscored by the imminent launch of its first hydrogen-powered train and ambitious plans for a bullet train network by 2027.
This transformative phase is part of a broader overhaul spearheaded by the newly established GatiShakti Directorate, which has been instrumental in expanding project approvals from a modest 7-8 annually to a substantial 70-80. The introduction of the hydrogen train marks a landmark in the Railways’ push towards greener, more sustainable transport solutions. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of modernising rail infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions. In parallel, the Railways have accelerated their track laying capabilities, with a remarkable increase from four to over fourteen kilometres per day. Last year alone, over 5,000 kilometres of new track were laid, setting a robust foundation for future expansions.
The Kavach safety system, a cornerstone of this modernisation effort, has seen considerable progress. With Version IV specifications finalised as of July 16, the system is currently operational across 1,400 kilometres and is being extended to cover 3,000 kilometres on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes. Future plans include extending Kavach to an additional 8,200 kilometres, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing rail safety through advanced technology. Furthermore, Indian Railways is poised to capture a larger share of the national freight market. With the logistics sector currently handling approximately 5,000 million tonnes, the Railways aims to double its freight capacity to 3,000 million tonnes by 2030-31. This ambitious target highlights the Railways’ strategic focus on infrastructure upgrades to meet increasing demand.
The private sector’s involvement is also a critical component of this transformation. Opportunities abound in areas such as infrastructure development, safety, and passenger amenities, with secured funding making this an opportune moment for industry engagement. The recent announcements from BEML, including the upcoming delivery of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, further underscore the sector’s dynamic evolution. The Chairman of the FICCI Transport Infrastructure Committee commended the ongoing advancements, emphasising the role of cutting-edge technologies like GIS, IoT, and Big Data analytics in boosting operational efficiency and safety.
