As the year concludes, Indian Railways proudly reflects on a transformative nine-year journey marked by sustainable initiatives, digital advancements, and several commendable milestones. In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Indian Railways celebrates the production of over 5,250 electric locomotives, a crucial step in its commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.
Sustainable Milestones
This noteworthy accomplishment aligns with India’s significant achievement of electrifying 90% of the broad gauge network by March 2023. The electrification effort covered an extensive 58,812 Route Kilometers (RKMs) out of the total 65,300 km network.
Digital Transformation
In the realm of digital transformation, Indian Railways achieved another milestone by providing free WiFi services at over 6,000 railway stations. This initiative contributes to improved connectivity for passengers, emphasizing the railways’ commitment to enhancing the travel experience through technology.
Enhanced Safety Measures
Efforts to enhance safety have yielded positive results, with consequential train accidents reduced from 1,243 (2006-07 to 2013-14) to 638 (2014-15 to 2022-23), marking a 54% reduction on a per-year basis. Accidents per million train kilometers (APMTKM) have significantly decreased from 0.23 in 2006-07 to 0.03 in 2022-23.
The elimination of level crossing gates has been a focus, with 8,948 Level Crossing gates removed from April 2014 to January 2019. Additionally, the last unmanned level crossing on the broad gauge network was eliminated on January 31, 2019. In the subsequent years (2019-2023), 3,981 manned level crossings were also removed to enhance passenger safety.
To further improve safety, Indian Railways ceased the production of Integral Coach Factory (ICF) type coaches in 2018-19, opting for Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches known for superior technology and safety features.
Innovations in Travel Experience
The introduction of Vista Dome coaches on scenic routes has been a resounding success, with over 100 Vista Dome coaches enhancing travel experiences across the country. These all-weather glass-ceiling AC coaches provide passengers with breathtaking views, particularly on picturesque routes.
The deployment of the indigenously developed National ATP (Automatic Train Protection) System named “Kavach” has been pivotal. This system prevents overspeeding, signal passing at danger, and ensures better train running in adverse weather conditions, enhancing passenger safety.
Focus on Connectivity
Indian Railways has made significant strides in connecting the northeast with the rail network. In the past nine years, all seven northeastern states have been connected except Sikkim, where ongoing work is in progress. Four states — Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram — gained rail connectivity after 2014.
Future Investments and Modernization
Looking ahead, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlines an ambitious plan to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in the upcoming period. The investment aims to replace aging rolling stock, necessitating the introduction of 7,000-8,000 new train sets. This strategic move underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to modernizing its infrastructure for a more efficient and sustainable future.
