Indian Railways achieves a significant milestone with nearly one-fifth of India’s railway network now equipped for higher speeds.
Over 23,000 track kilometres (TKM) of the Indian Railways network now support train speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour (kmph). In addition to that, around 54,337 TKM of tracks have been upgraded to support speeds up to 110 kmph. With the recent track and safety upgradations, nearly one-fifth of India’s railway network is now equipped for higher speeds.
As per the recent report on 27 January 2025, by the Ministry of Railways, Govt. of India, Indian Railways has completed upgrading over 23,000 Track Kilometres (TKM) for high speeds up to 130 kmph, and an additional 54,337 TKM upgraded for speeds up to 110 kmph. These track upgradations are certainly going to help in improving connectivity and reducing travel times for millons of railway passengers across India.
As per the report, these advancements were made possible through robust safety measures, such as, modern signalling systems and strategic fencing. Modernisation of track infrastructure involves comprehensive upgrades, including strengthening of tracks to ensure stability and durability for high-speed operations, implementation of advanced signalling systems for precise communication and safe train operations, and installation of safety measures such as fencing at vulnerable locations to enhance security and mitigate risks.
These efforts are part of Indian Railways' goal of making the railway network more safer and efficient, and to serve the transportation demands of both the passenger as well as freight.
The prominent sections to receive the 130 kmph speed track upgrades are the Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal networks, which are important railway corridors that link India’s major cities. And additionally, with around 54,337 TKM of tracks upgraded to support speeds up to 110 kmph, it helps ensure seamless connectivity across many regions.
Indian Railways’ flagship semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express, is capable of achieving speeds up to 160 kmph, which would not be possible without such infrastructure improvements. Vande Bharat Express offers railway travellers a premium travel experience which is faster and more comfortable.
As per the report, the demand for specialised train services during peak periods has increased significantly by 54% compared to the previous year, reaching to 57,169 services. Indian Railways prioritised safety fencing along high-speed track sections to accommodate high speeds safely, which ensures smooth operation of trains and minimises risk of accidents.
Photo by Shivansh Singh on Unsplash
Previously, back in November 2024, Indian Railways completed electrification of 97% of its Broad Gauge railway network. Electric traction is not only more environment friendly but is also about 70% more economical than diesel traction.
We've also noticed that several areas of tracks are joined using welded joints which do not produce that signature railway noise as the train passes on the tracks. It was the earlier system of track joining with plates with nuts and bolts, which had a gap between two joined rails to accommodate thermal expansion of the tracks, which used to generate a clanging-banging noise as train passed on those tracks. Such noise will still exist in railway junctions or crossings wherever two trackways join, as those are unpreventable.
All these improvements will provide a smoother and better experience when travelling by railways in India.
- Over 23,000 Track Kilometers Upgraded for 130 kmph Speed - Ministry of Railways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 6:37PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 27 January 2025.
- Indian Railways Electrifies 97% of its Broad Gauge Network - Ministry of Railways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 27 NOV 2024 7:27PM by PIB Delhi. Retrieved on 27 January 2025.