The Railway Ministry announced on Wednesday that it has allocated 76 percent of its budget within the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The latest expenditure report by Indian Railways, as of January 5, 2025, reveals that the railways have made significant investments to expand capacity, aiming to provide a world-class rail travel experience in India.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the government allocated a total capital expenditure (Capex) of Rs 2,65,200 crore to Indian Railways, with Rs 2,52,200 crore in Gross Budgetary Support. By January 5, the railways had already spent Rs 1,92,446 crore.
The budget allocated Rs 50,903 crore for rolling stock, and by January 5, the railways had spent Rs 40,367 crore, or 79 percent of the rolling stock budget. Additionally, the budget for safety-related works was set at Rs 34,412 crore, of which Rs 28,281 crore (82 percent) has already been utilized.
The ministry emphasized that the government has prioritized transforming Indian Railways into a world-class transportation system, which currently serves 2.3 crore passengers daily at an affordable cost.
The press release highlighted the visible results of the ongoing capital expenditure over the last decade, including the deployment of 136 Vande Bharat trains, nearly 97 percent electrification of broad gauge tracks, new line constructions, gauge conversions, track doubling, and traffic facility improvements. Investment in public sector undertakings (PSUs) and metropolitan transport systems has also contributed to this transformation.
Furthermore, the railways are conducting safety and speed trials for Vande Bharat sleeper trains, signaling that long-distance passengers will soon experience world-class travel.
The press release stated, “This transformation of Indian Railways would not have been possible without the visionary foresight of Viksit Bharat and its prompt execution through modernization projects in mission mode by Indian Railways.”
Despite challenges posed by India’s vast population and diverse geography, culture, and languages, Indian Railways continues to push forward with its vision of transformative governance, building a new, modern, and connected India.
(With PTI Inputs)