Vande Bharat Trains On a Roll, Economic Survey Shares Number

According to the Economic Survey 2025, railway expansion has seen a slight reduction in financial year 2025 until November, with 2,031 km compared to 2,282 km during the same period last year. However, it witnessed an impressive increase in its rolling stock. The number of wagons has jumped from 22,042 to 26,148, while the number of locomotives has risen from 968 to 1,042 during FY24 (April-November).

"During FY25 so far, the progress in the expansion of the railway network stayed at levels comparable to the previous year, while the addition of rolling stock increased considerably" the Economic Survey mentioned.

Rise In The Number Of Vande Bharat Trains

 In FY24 alone, 41 Vande Bharat trains were introduced, with 17 new Vande Bharat trains rolled out by October 2024. This brings the total number of Vande Bharat trains in operation to 68. In FY24, a total of 456 Vande Bharat train coaches were manufactured, with 228 coaches produced in FY25 until October.

"Between April and October 2024, 17 new pairs of Vande Bharat trains were introduced to the network, and 228 coaches were produced" Economic Survey stated.

Gati Shakti Terminals and Renewable Energy Initiatives

According to the Survey, important initiative under the PM Gati Shakti program is the establishment of 91 multi-modal cargo terminals. Moreover, Indian Railways is also pushing forward with its renewable energy goals. By October 2024, 375 MW of solar energy and 103 MW of wind energy were operational as part of its target to achieve 30 GW of renewable energy by 2029-30.

Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

Several large-scale infrastructure projects are underway to bolster India’s rail network. According to the Economic Survey, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Project, supported by Japan, has made significant progress. With an overall project cost of ₹1.08 lakh crore, this ambitious 508 km high-speed rail project has achieved 47.17% physical progress as of October 2024, with ₹67,486 crore spent.

"Sanctioned in December 2015, this 508 km project, supported by Japan, has a revised cost of ₹1.08 lakh crore. As of October 2024, it has achieved 47.17 per cent physical progress with an expenditure of ₹67,486 crore" the Survey mentioned it.

Additionally, the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), which poised to enhance freight capacity without interference from passenger trains, have seen progress. As of November 2024, 2,741 km (96.4%) of the planned 2,843 km DFC network has been commissioned.

Modernization of Signaling Systems

According to this Survey, to improve the safety and efficiency of train operations, Indian Railways has invested heavily in modernizing its signaling systems.

"Indian Railways is modernising its signaling and safety systems to enhance operational efficiency and safety across its vast network. Kavach: This indigenously developed Automated Train Protection system has seen ₹1,547 crore invested (till November 2024). The specification version 4.0 was approved on July 16, 2024" the Economic Survey mentioned.