Indian Railways to Focus on Safety, Modernisation, and Expansion in Budget 2025
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has laid out a clear roadmap for the future of Indian Railways. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Vaishnaw shared that the upcoming budget will prioritise three key areas for Indian Railways: safety, modernisation, and expansion. These focus areas are set to transform the railway sector over the coming financial year, with significant investments and technological advancements already underway.
For the Indian Railways, safety remains a top priority. Over the past decade, substantial investments have been made to enhance the safety of passengers and freight. In FY25, the government allocated around Rs 1.8 lakh crore for safety initiatives, and Vaishnaw confirmed that this commitment would continue into FY26. By ensuring robust infrastructure and state-of-the-art safety systems, Indian Railways aims to provide a secure environment for travellers and goods alike.
Indian Railways to Focus on Safety, Modernisation, and Expansion in Budget 2025. The implementation of the Kavach system, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance technology, stands as a key safety milestone. As of October 2024, Kavach has been deployed across major railway zones, with the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors receiving priority. With a total investment of Rs 1,547 crore in Kavach so far, the system is expected to cover over 3,000 route kilometres by FY26. The government has also committed an additional Rs 1,112 crore for expanding Kavach in FY25, reinforcing the emphasis on safety. Alongside safety, modernisation is a key element of Indian Railways’ vision for the future. The introduction of the Vande Bharat trains has been one of the most prominent steps in this direction. The Vande Bharat sleeper trains, currently undergoing testing, will soon be rolled out to meet growing demand for faster and more comfortable travel. Already a success in their chair car format, the Vande Bharat trains have garnered positive feedback, and the sleeper version is expected to revolutionise long-distance travel.
Indian Railways is also aligning its modernisation efforts with global practices. During his visit to Davos, Vaishnaw discussed advanced safety technologies with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), including maintenance strategies and track replacement practices. Additionally, the Railway Minister visited Stadler Rail’s facility in Switzerland, where double-decker multiple-unit trains are produced. These innovations will be integrated into India’s railway fleet to ensure the system remains cutting-edge. The Vande Bharat Express, launched in 2019, has rapidly gained popularity due to its advanced safety features and high passenger satisfaction. In FY23, the trains achieved an impressive occupancy rate of 96.62%, reflecting their success in the domestic market. International interest in these semi-high-speed trains has also been growing, with several countries keen to adopt the Vande Bharat model. Vaishnaw highlighted that the trains exemplify India’s “Make in India” initiative and represent a major achievement in the country’s railway modernisation efforts.
Vaishnaw also discussed the growing global interest in investing in India, especially in sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, food processing, and capital goods. At Davos, he revealed that memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth around Rs 20 lakh crore had been signed, indicating strong international confidence in India’s economic potential. The railway sector, with its focus on modernisation and safety, is expected to attract significant investments, contributing to the country’s economic growth. Indian Railways is on the cusp of a transformative phase. With an unwavering focus on safety, modernisation, and expansion, the sector is poised to become a more efficient, reliable, and globally competitive network. As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s commitment to these priorities, which are set to reshape the railway landscape in India over the next few years.
