Indian Railways has set a new target to renew 7,900 kilometres of train tracks in FY 2026-27, as part of its broader push to strengthen infra, enhance safety and support the rollout of faster trains across the network.
The target was announced in a press release recently issued by the Ministry of Railways. According to the release, the national transporter has reportedly made ‘significant progress’ in strengthening track infrastructure and safety standards over the last few years.
Indian Railways: Timeline of track upgradation
In the release, Indian Railways said it completed track renewal across 6,851 track kilometres in FY 2024–25. In the ongoing FY 2025–26, renewal work covering more than 7,500 track kilometres is currently underway.
The ministry also said that substantial progress has been achieved in turnout renewal, which is critical for smooth train operations.
In a different press release, the ministry had also reported a significant decrease in train accidents, where they claimed that the number of accidents in a fiscal year had decreased from 135 in 2014-15 to 31 in 2024-25 and further to 10 in 2025-26 (up to November).
Fencing of railway tracks
As per a report by the Indian Express, the ministry has also taken up fencing along railway tracks on a priority to minimize cattle run-over incidents and trespassing. As per the official government statement, around 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been installed alongside railway tracks so far to enhance safety on high-speed corridors where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph.
With the national transporter planning to operate faster trains across the network, track renewal has become a crucial step in this direction. The renewal works are undertaken once track stretches become due, based on age and condition criteria laid down in the Indian Railway Permanent Way Manual.
Where renewals cannot be carried out immediately, Indian Railways said appropriate speed restrictions are imposed to ensure safe train operations. Track renewal typically involves the replacement of existing rails or sleepers, either independently or together, using new or serviceable materials, depending on operational requirements.