Indian Railways Boosts Safety with Massive Track Modernization and High-Speed Upgrades

NEW DELHI, JAN 18, 2026 — Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in national infrastructure by nearly doubling its high-speed-capable track length over the last decade. As of early 2026, the network permitting speeds of 110 kmph and above has expanded from 31,445 km in 2014 to 84,244 km, now covering approximately 80% of the total rail network. This transformation is underpinned by an aggressive renewal strategy; the department completed 6,851 km of track renewal in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with an additional 7,500 km currently underway and 7,900 km planned for the 2026-27 period. These sustained investments are designed to ensure long-term asset reliability and significantly enhance passenger safety across the country.

Beyond basic track replacement, the modernization effort includes critical technical upgrades to turnouts and ballast stability. During 2024-25, the railways installed 7,161 Thick Web Switches and 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings, with targets increasing to over 8,000 and 3,000 respectively for the current year to ensure smoother train transitions. Maintenance efficiency has also seen a boost through mechanized deep screening, covering 7,442 km last year to improve ride quality. To support these large-scale operations, the track machine fleet has grown by over 1,100 units since 2014. Additionally, the installation of 15,000 km of safety fencing has successfully reduced cattle run-over incidents and trespassing, allowing for more consistent high-speed operations across the national grid.