Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Rs2.52 lakh crore has been allocated for railways in the next financial year’s budget. Several major projects have been approved, including the production of 17,500 general-class coaches, 200 Vande Bharat, and 100 Amrit Bharat trains. Speaking to the media in Delhi after presenting the 2025-26 Union Budget, he shared details about upcoming railway projects and future investments.
He stated that Rs.4.6 lakh crore worth of new projects have been included in the budget, which will be completed within 4-5 years. These projects focus on laying new railway lines, doubling existing tracks, station redevelopment, and constructing flyovers and underpasses to improve rail infrastructure. The government aims to enhance connectivity and accommodate the increasing demand for train travel. With these investments, Indian Railways plans to expand its network, improve passenger experience, and ensure smoother operations across the country in the coming years.
Amrit Bharat scheme
The government is set to introduce more short-distance trains under the Amrit Bharat scheme. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that 100 Amrit Bharat, 50 Namo Bharat, and 200 Vande Bharat trains will be introduced over the next 2-3 years to meet the rising demand for train travel. He also mentioned that these new trains will help connect several smaller cities.
To address the shortage of general-class coaches, 17,500 new coaches have been approved for production. By March 31, 1,400 of them will be ready, with a target of 2,000 more in the next financial year. Additionally, the government has sanctioned the construction of 1,000 new flyovers to improve railway infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the country.
Indian Railways is on track to achieve its freight transportation target of 1.6 billion tonnes by March 31, making it the world’s second-largest freight carrier after China. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the rail network is also set to complete 100% electrification by the end of the current financial year.
Emphasizing railway safety, he announced that the allocated budget for safety measures has been increased from Rs.1.08 lakh crore to Rs.1.14 lakh crore, with a further rise to Rs.1.16 lakh crore next year. Additionally, investments through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model have been included, raising the total railway budget to Rs.2.64 lakh crore.
These initiatives aim to enhance freight transport efficiency, improve rail infrastructure, and ensure safer operations. With these developments, Indian Railways is strengthening its position as a global leader in rail transportation and modernization.
