Track to the Future: ₹1 Lakh Cr Overhaul Set to Transform Indian Railways

Indian Railways is rolling out a game-changing ₹1 lakh crore modernization blueprint aimed at eliminating waitlists, upgrading rolling stock, and enhancing passenger experience across the country. The plan, unveiled by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, includes a massive procurement of 7,000–8,000 new trainsets over the next 15 years and a 30% increase in daily train trips to meet surging demand.

 

Key Highlights:

 

- Mega Procurement Drive

- ₹1 lakh crore tender to replace aging trains and expand capacity

- Focus on phasing out 8,000 old trainsets and introducing 3,000 new daily trips

- Goal: Zero waitlists by 2030

 

- Passenger-Centric Upgrades

- New trains to feature modern interiors, faster acceleration, and energy efficiency

- Enhanced reservation system to handle 1.5 lakh bookings per minute by December 2025

- Aadhaar-based Tatkal bookings and 8-hour charting window now in effect

 

- Regional Focus

- Bihar alone sees ₹1 lakh crore worth of projects, including 12 Vande Bharat trains and 98 Amrit Bharat station redevelopments

- Electrification, new lines, and station upgrades underway across 15+ states

 

- Freight & Industrial Boost

- Completion of Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors to unlock passenger capacity

- New Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to support logistics and industrial hubs

 

This ambitious plan isn’t just about trains—it’s about transforming mobility, boosting regional economies, and future-proofing India’s most vital transport network.

 

Source: ET Now, News9Live, The Hindu