North News
New Delhi, January 28
The Ministry of Railways has announced a major milestone, with over 23,000 track kilometers (TKM) of the Indian Railways network upgraded to support train speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour (kmph). This achievement reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s railway infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and reducing travel time for millions of passengers. According to the Ministry, the modernization effort includes comprehensive upgrades to track stability, advanced signalling systems, and safety measures such as fencing at vulnerable locations. These enhancements aim to ensure safe and efficient high-speed operations across the network while meeting the growing demands of passenger and freight transport.
The upgrades primarily focus on critical sections of the Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal corridors, which connect key cities and handle a significant share of India’s rail traffic. These improved corridors are now equipped to facilitate faster transit and improved logistical efficiency. In addition to the 130 kmph upgrades, the Ministry highlighted that 54,337 TKM of tracks have been enhanced to support speeds of up to 110 kmph. This systematic modernization strengthens regional connectivity and improves the overall operational capacity of Indian Railways.
The Ministry emphasized that safety remains a top priority. Measures such as fencing along high-speed track sections are being implemented to minimise risks and ensure smooth train operations. These upgrades have also enabled the success of flagship services like the Vande Bharat Express, which can achieve speeds of up to 160 kmph, offering passengers a premium travel experience. The Ministry further noted a significant increase in specialized train services during periods of peak demand, with a 54% rise compared to the previous year, reaching 57,169 services. These developments underscore Indian Railways’ focus on improving reliability, safety, and efficiency to meet the growing needs of the nation.