PM Modi unveils ambitious plans for the transformation of India's railway infrastructure

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled an ambitious plan for the transformation of India's railway infrastructure, aiming to revolutionize the country's transportation system over the next five years. Speaking at an conclave here, PM Modi outlined several key initiatives, including the expansion of high-speed trains, station redevelopment, and ambitious targets for freight transportation modal share.

The National High Speed Rail Corridor Limited's bullet train project has received a significant funding boost from the Finance Ministry, with the allocation increasing to Rs 25,000 crore. This investment will pave the way for the operation of high-speed trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, reducing travel time to just three hours.

In addition to high-speed trains, the government plans to operationalize 4,500 Vande Bharat trains by 2047. These trains, which began service in September 2022, are set to enhance connectivity across the country. Furthermore, the introduction of 50 Amrit Bharat trains in the upcoming fiscal year is expected to improve the passenger experience on non-Vande trains.

The government's focus extends beyond new trains to the redevelopment of railway stations nationwide. Under the Amrit Bharat scheme, 1,309 stations are slated for redevelopment, with improvements planned for amenities, cleanliness, and accessibility.

To meet the growing demand for rail travel, Indian Railways aims to increase daily train trips by 3,000, carrying over a billion passengers annually. This will be supported by a budget of Rs 1 lakh crore allocated for the replacement of old rolling stock with new train sets.

To address congestion on key corridors, Indian Railways has proposed a 10-year scheme to target multi-tracking on high-density lines. This includes plans for double and triple-tracking, as well as the construction of flyovers and underpasses.

Furthermore, the government plans to overhaul 40,000 train bogies to improve passenger comfort and safety. These initiatives are part of the National Rail Plan 2030, which aims to increase the modal share of Railways in freight transportation to 45% by 2050.

The National Rail Plan focuses on creating capacity ahead of demand, ensuring that Railways are prepared to manage and maintain a 45% share of freight transportation consistently. The plan includes 58 Supercritical Projects and 68 critical projects, totaling an investment of Rs 1,15,399 crore.

The implementation of these projects will create significant opportunities for employment and economic growth, contributing to India's aim of establishing a fuel-efficient and cost-effective transport system. Ultimately, these initiatives will position India as a global leader in rail infrastructure.