Indian Railways Sees Major Growth in Rolling Stock, Infrastructure & Digital Expansion
Indian Railways has seen substantial growth in several key areas of its infrastructure and digital expansion during the current financial year, including the introduction of new rolling stock, a notable increase in freight and cargo infrastructure, and advancements in digital services.
One of the most prominent highlights has been the continued development of the rolling stock sector. Between April and October 2024, Indian Railways introduced 17 new pairs of Vande Bharat trains, marking a significant step forward in its efforts to modernise the country’s railway network. These high-speed trains have already garnered attention for their advanced features and improved passenger experience. Additionally, a total of 228 new railway coaches have been produced, strengthening the nation’s railway fleet.
On the infrastructure front, there has been notable progress in the development of multimodal transport facilities. The Gati Shakti programme, which aims to enhance connectivity across various sectors, commissioned 91 new multi-modal cargo terminals between April and October. These terminals are vital to improving the efficiency of freight movement and logistics across the country. Furthermore, by the end of 2024, Indian Railways had approved 234 locations for these terminals, which will help increase the movement of goods across different regions. One of the largest and most ambitious projects in the railway sector is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, which has already seen significant physical progress. Indian Railways reported that over 47% of the project has been completed, with a total expenditure of ₹67,486 crore by 2024. This project is a crucial component of the country’s plan to develop a state-of-the-art high-speed rail network, expected to revolutionise travel between two of the country’s busiest cities.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) project, which aims to enhance the efficiency of freight trains, also made impressive strides in 2024. By November, over 2,741 kilometres of the planned 2,843 kilometres of DFC were operational, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to improve freight movement. Alongside these developments, Indian Railways is also focused on improving passenger facilities. As part of the ongoing railway station redevelopment initiative, 1,337 stations have been identified for renovation, with work already underway at 1,197 of these locations. This station redevelopment programme will significantly enhance passenger experiences, making stations more modern, accessible, and efficient.
In addition to the physical infrastructure growth, Indian Railways has also made strides in the digital realm. India’s data centre market has seen rapid expansion, with the Economic Survey reporting that it is expected to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2023 to USD 11.6 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.98%. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for digital services and the expansion of infrastructure to support this growth. Indian Railways’ own IT expansion is part of the broader trend of digital growth, which is positioning India as a leader in the global IT industry. As for the broader IT sector, Indian Railways benefits from the flourishing digital ecosystem in the country. India’s IT industry, which holds a strong position globally, has contributed immensely to the country’s economic growth, with estimated revenues of USD 254 billion in 2024, reflecting a 3.8% year-on-year growth. Indian Railways’ ongoing expansion, both in infrastructure and digital services, is a testament to the nation’s ambitious plans to modernise its transport network and digital economy. These developments are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of India’s railway system and overall economic growth, offering a better travel experience, improved logistics, and a more digitally connected future.
