Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again entrusted Ashwini Vaishnaw with the responsibility of leading the Ministry of Railways in the third term of the Modi government. Alongside retaining his previous portfolios of Railways and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Vaishnaw has also been appointed as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
Vaishnaw’s strategic vision and collaborative approach have played a crucial role in driving the growth of India’s railway network. Vaishnaw, transitioning from a bureaucrat to a politician, assumed the role of Railway Minister on July 7, 2021, and has retained the position in the newly formed cabinet as of June 9, 2024.
Vaishnaw emerged one of the most successful Railway ministers for several initiatives. As Ashwini Vaishnaw takes the reins of the Ministry of Railways for the second time, let’s reflect on the significant milestones achieved under his leadership during his previous tenure –
Vande Bharat Express trains launch
Under Vaishnaw’s leadership, the Ministry of Railways embarked on several transformative initiatives, including the introduction of hundreds of semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains. The inaugural pair of Vande Bharat trains commenced operations in February 2019, and since then, the Railway Ministry reports that the fleet has expanded to 102 trains operating nationwide, boasting an impressive overall occupancy rate of 105.7 percent. The widespread popularity of Vande Bharat trains is underscored by the staggering statistic that over 2.15 crore passengers had traveled on them by March 31, 2024.
Furthermore, the Vande Bharat Express has facilitated connectivity across 284 districts throughout the country. Additionally, under Vaishnaw’s leadership, Indian Railways achieved another commendable feat by laying down a record-breaking 3,901 kilometers of tracks during the fiscal year 2022-23, marking the highest track laying activity in its history.
Indian Railways’ record track laying and more
Additionally, the unprecedented expansion of railway infrastructure led by Ashwini Vaishnaw. In 2022-23, Indian Railways laid down a record-breaking 3,901 kilometers of tracks, marking the highest-ever track laying in its history. This monumental feat underscores Vaishnaw’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and modernising rail infrastructure across the nation.
Vaishnaw’s reappointment as the Railway Minister signifies a continuation of the government’s steadfast focus on bolstering India’s railway sector. He follows in the footsteps of his predecessors, including D V Sadananda Gowda, Suresh Prabhu, and Piyush Goyal, who have each contributed significantly to the growth and development of Indian Railways. Piyush Goyal, in particular, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Railway Minister under the Modi regime, with a tenure spanning 3 years and 307 days.