New Delhi: Over the past 11 years (2014-2025), the transport infrastructure of India has undergone transformative growth, with railways and metro rail emerging as the key drivers of connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability. All this happened under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his NDA-led government.
Indian Railways has seen its capital expenditure grow manifold, exceeding Rs 17 lakh crore since 2014. The capital outlay was Rs 3.62 lakh crore in the previous UPA government between 2004 and 2014. During the Modi regime, over 31,000 km of new tracks have been laid, and 45000 km of tracks are being renewed. The Vande Bharat Express is redefining rail travel in India. The high-speed trains are now operational at 136 locations across 24 states and UTs. A proposed 400 new Vande Bharat trains are in the pipeline for the enhanced access and reach. These trains are being complemented alongside 100 Amrit Bharat and 50 Namo Bharat trains in the coming years.
Railways is targeting net zero emissions by 2030, with 98 percent of the broad gauge network already electrified. In view of this, solar panels are being installed at 2000-plus railway stations while simultaneously lighting them by LEDs that aim at reducing energy cost. The electrification has saved Rs 3000 crore of Indian railways in its savings. Passenger safety has been strengthened with Kavach, the indigenous train protection system, now deployed across 1,548 route km. More than 12,000 unmanned crossings have been eliminated, complemented by 12,000 new bridges.
New Feats of Indian Railways
The rail map of India now features iconic projects such as the Chenab Arch Bridge, the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, and the new vertical lift Pamban Bridge. Further, electronic interlocking has been installed at 6,600-plus railway stations, while Wi-Fi connectivity extends to more than 6,000 stations.
Freight loading hit a record 1,617 million tonnes in 2024-25, supported by near-complete Dedicated Freight Corridors (2,843 km commissioned). Additionally, under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 1,300-plus railway stations are being upgraded, which aims to ensure world-class amenities and improved passenger experience.
PM inaugurated Chenab railway bridge on June 6, 2025. It is the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
(Pic: PIB)
The Northeast Push by Railways
In India’s Northeast, a railway transformation is reshaping connectivity, commerce, and daily life. Once marked by isolation, the region now witnesses rapid expansion, with allocations rising fivefold since 2014 to Rs 62,477 crore and projects worth Rs 77,000 crore underway. Major milestones include Mizoram’s 51-km Bairabi–Sairang line, connecting Aizawl to the national rail map for the first time. Tripura’s link to the border and Meghalaya’s first station. Capitals across Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh are being integrated through new lines, tunnels, and electrification. From Guwahati to remote valleys, Indian Railways is stitching together the Northeast, heralding its largest wave of investment and growth.
Bairabi–Sairang railway line in Mizoram
(Pic: PIB)
Hence, India’s railway investments are driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable mobility while simultaneously positioning the country as a global leader in transport infrastructure.