Growing Indian Railways and Major Developments

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Overview of Indian Railways    

Indian Railways, the backbone of India’s transportation Infrastructure, is a state-owned enterprise that is organised as a departmental undertaking of the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India and operates India’s national railway system. As of 2024, the Indian railways has been recognised as the fourth largest network in the world in terms of size, covering a network of 68,584  kilometres. The Indian Railways is crucial for the country’s socio-economic scenario. Railways has not only promoted the movement of people but it has also made the transport of goods more convenient through enhanced connectivity thereby, reducing the logistic cost. The Indian Railways recorded highest revenue of Rs 2.56 lakh crore for the financial year 2023-24

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Historical Background Of Indian Railways  

Initial Proposal and Early Developments: The concept of Indian Railways was first proposed in 1832 in Madras. The British government acknowledged the potential associated with the idea. In 1845, The Madras Railway was formally established followed by the incorporation of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR) in 1849 marking the beginning of organized railway construction in India. 

First Passenger Train and Evolution: In 1853, the operations commenced on the first passenger train between Bombay to Thane covering a distance of 34 kms. 

1880: The Indian Railways laid approximately 14,500 kilometres of track across major cities like Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta.

1951–52: The railway network across the country was reorganised into six regional zones for administrative purposes. 

1925: The Indian Railway commenced operation on the first election train in Bombay on DC traction. 

1955: The Indian Railways established the Integral Coach Factory in Madras for manufacturing rail coaches marking a significant step toward modernization. 

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Record Capital Investments in Indian Railways

In the Union Budget for 2024-25, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced a record capital expenditure allocation of ₹2,62,200 crore for Indian Railways. This represents a substantial 77% rise compared to the investment levels over the past five years. Additionally, the Draft National Rail Plan outlines a long-term vision for the sector, proposing a total capital expenditure of ₹38.22 lakh crore by 2050. This comprehensive strategy aims to modernise and expand railway services, improve safety, and boost the efficiency of freight and passenger transportation across India.

Indian Railways’s Leading Footsteps Towards Modernisation

Throughout the years, the Indian Railways has been taking major steps to meet the increasing demands for modernization, sustainability, and efficiency. 

1.  Technological Advancement: The Indian Railways has been introducing a wide range of technological innovations to enhance the operation efficiency and passenger experience.

Example: 

  • Indian Railway also introduced Online Monitoring of the Rolling Stock System (OMRS), a way-side inspection system that comprises technologies like Acoustic Bearing Detectors (ABD) and Wheel Impact Load Detectors (WILD) which monitor the functioning of train components in real-time. This system detects faults in bearings and wheels, allowing for timely corrective actions before failures occur.

2. Modernization Of Railway Infrastructure: The Indian Railways is aiming to enhance and modernise the station infrastructure to improve the passenger experience by providing better amenities. 

Example: 

  • Rani Kamlapati Railway Station, formerly known as Habibganj Railway, located in Bhopal is marked as the first world-class railway station. The station has been redeveloped under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by Indian Railway to modernise the railway infrastructure. The station provides ultra-modern amenities such as a large covered parking area, 24X7 power backup, air-conditioned lobby, high-speed escalator etc. 
Rani Kamlapati station 3 2

3. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: The Indian Railways recently introduced the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to upgrade and modernize the total of 1,337 stations across the Indian Railways System. 

The scheme aims to improve station accessibility, waiting areas, toilet facilities, lift and escalator installations as needed, cleanliness, offering free Wi-Fi, setting up kiosks for local products through initiatives like ‘One Station One Product’, enhancing passenger information systems, establishing Executive Lounges, designating spaces for business meetings, incorporating landscaping, and catering to the unique requirements of each station.

Rani Kamlapati station 2 2

Completed Projects:

  1. Gandhinagar Capital Station (Western Railway)
  2. Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Station (South Western Railway)
  3. The first phase of Gomti Nagar Station (North Eastern Railway)
  4. Ayodhya Railway Station (Northern Railway)
  5. Cuttack Railway Station (East Coast Railway)

4. Enhanced safety: To create a more reliable and secure rail network the Indian Railway has been introducing new technologies which can contribute to achieving safe operations and increasing the efficiency of the operation. 

Example: 

  • Kavach: The introduction of the Kavach System, an  Automatic Train Protection (ATP) is one such initiative taken by Indian Railways. The Kavach System prevents the trains collisions by applying emergency brakes through continuous monitoring. As of July 24, 2024, ₹1,216.77 crore had been spent on Kavach, with an additional ₹1,112.57 crore allocated for 2024-25. In the first phase, the Indian Railway plans to deploy the Kavach system in 10,000 locomotives along a 9000km railway network by December 2030. 
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Recent Update: In September 2024, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the trial of KAVACH 4.0.  The trial took place between Sawai Madhopur and Indargarh Railway stations in Rajasthan under the West Central Railway Zone.

5. Electrification of Railways: The Indian Railways has been targeting 100% electrification to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, promoting environmental sustainability and reducing operational costs. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels in rail operations. As of 2024, Indian Railways has completed electrification of 97% of its broad gauge network. 

Example: 

  • The Devlali railway station near Nashik in Maharashtra is powered entirely by solar energy. The Devlali Station will cut 100 MT of CO2 emissions annually, driving Railways mission towards net zero by 2030.
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6. Development of Dedicated Freight Corridors: To enhance freight transport efficiency across the county, the Indian Railways took the initiative by introducing Dedicated Freight Corridors. DFCs are specialized railway lines designed exclusively for freight trains.

Key Corridors

  1. Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC):
    • Length: Approximately 1,337 kilometres 
    • Route: Sonnagar in Bihar to Sahnewal in Punjab.
    • Status: Fully operational as of April 2024.
    • Benefits: The travel time for transporting coal from coal fields in Eastern India to power stations in North India has been reduced from 35 hours to just 20 hours.
  2. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC):
  • Length: Approximately 1,506 kilometres
  • Route: Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai to Dadri in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Status: 93% operational,

Major Developments in Indian Railways

Throughout the years, Indian Railways has witnessed remarkable growth and modernisation through various major projects which aim at enhancing the infrastructure, efficiency and connectivity. Some of the most momentous developments include: 

1.  Chenab Bridge 

Overview 

Chenab Bridge, Inaugurated in August 2022, is a major infrastructure project carried out by Indian Railways. The Chenab bridge is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), a dream project worth Rs 37000 crore. The bridge will have a lifespan of 120 years. 

With the development, the Indian Railways marked history by creating the world’s highest arch bridge and Railway Bridge. The Indian Railways has conquered the biggest civil engineering challenge faced by any railway Project in India in recent history with the completion of this bridge.

Chenab Bridge 1

Features of Chenab Bridge 

  • The Chenab Bridge is situated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, between Bakkal and Kauri.
  • Standing 359 meters (1,178 feet) above the Chenab River, the bridge is 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
  • The arch bridge is 1,178 feet above the riverbed, forming a crucial link from Katra to Banihal and able to withstand winds with speeds up to 260 kmph. 
Recent Update:  In June 2024, Indian Railways conducted the successful trial run of an eight-coach Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train on theChenab Bridge. The trials were conducted at a speed of 40 Kmph on an electrified line section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi spanning 46 km. 

2. Anji Khad Bridge 

The Anji Khad Bridge is a true engineering marvel and a milestone for the Indian Railways. The Bridge spans the Anji River and is part of the ambitious USBRL project which aims to provide seamless rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. The Bridge marks history by being the country’s first cable-stayed and second-largest railway bridge. 

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Key Features of the Anji Khad Bridge

  • Pylon Design: Standing 331 m above the riverbed, the bridge features a single pylon
  • Total Length: 473.25 meters.
  • Cost:  Rs. 435 crore.
  • Viaduct and Embankment:  The structure consists of a 94.25-meter central embankment and a 120-meter viaduct.
Recent Updates:  Indian Railways conducted a successful first-loaded train trial run on the Anji Khad Bridge. The Ministry of Railways mentioned “The trial run on the Anji Khad Bridge, a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project, has been successfully completed.”Services are anticipated to begin in January 2025 in this section. 

3. High-Speed Rail Project 

To bring transformative changes in the country’s infrastructure and economy the Indian Railways developed India’s first High-Speed Rail Project, reflecting the Indian Railways’ modernised approach towards enhancing connectivity. With this pioneering project, the Indian Railways aims to position the country as a competitive player in the global transportation sector. 

A Special Purpose Vehicle,  National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) was established on 12th February 2016, to execute the bullet train project in India. For the beginning of this dream project, The Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor was prioritised by Indian Railways which is currently under construction and undergoing significant developments. 

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Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor 

The  Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, spanning across 508 kilometres, will provide enhanced connectivity through a sustainable and mast mode of transport between Maharashtra and Gujarat states in western India. 

The route consists of 12 strategically positioned stations and the corridor is designed to accommodate bullet trains operating at speeds of up to 320 kmph completing the entire journey in about 2 hours 7 minutes. 

Recent Development on the project: 
BEML to Deliver First Indigenous Bullet Train By 2026: In October BEML received a Rs. 867 crore order from ICF to manufacture India’s first indigenous Bullet Train. The trains will be designed to run at a maximum speed of 250 kmph.
Infrastructure Progress: The foundation work on all 8 stations in Gujarat is completed.
Completion of 12 River Bridges out of 20: With the completion of the bridge over the Kharera River in Navsari District, Gujarat, a major milestone has been achieved for the Bullet Train project. This is the 12th bridge finished out of 20 planned in Gujarat. 

4. Vande Bharat Express 

To modernize rail travel across the country, the Indian Railways introduced the first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed train, Vande Bharat Express which symbolises the Indian Railways ambition for advanced, efficient, reliable and convenient rail travel. The train is designed to run at a maximum speed of 180kmph.

The initiative is part of the government’s Make in India program, aiming to enhance domestic manufacturing and infrastructure. The Vande Bharat trains offer passengers a world-class travel experience. The trains have been equipped with modern amenities like accessible toilets and developed safety features such as Kavach technology. 

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On 15 February 2019, the first-ever Vande Bharat Express was flagged up on the New Delhi-Kanpur-Allahabad-Varanasi route. The trains operate at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour. Currently. At present, 136 Vande Bharat trains operate across the Indian Railway.

5. Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (Vande Metro)

 Originally inspired by the design of Vande Bharat, The Namo Bharat Rapid Rail (formerly Vande Metro) trains are designed for intercity travel. The trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 130 km/h. In September 2024 PM Modi inaugurated the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services between Bhuj and Ahmedabad. In November 2024 a successful trial was conducted between Ahmedabad and Mumbai at a speed of 130 kmph.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train 1 2

Future Outlook

1.Investment and Modernization

Substantial Investment: Indian Railways plans to invest ₹17.4 lakh crore (approximately $210 billion) by 2025 to streamline its operations, including high-speed rail projects

2. Infrastructure Expansion

New Tracks: The plan includes constructing 100,000 km of new railway tracks over the next 20 years 

3.Train Modernization

Vande Bharat Trains: Indian Railways aims to produce 400 new Vande Bharat trains over the next three years.

Introduction of Hydrogen Trains: The hydrogen train project aligns with Indian Railways’ goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. The trials of the Hydrogen train will soon be conducted on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. These trains will utilise Hydrogen fuel cells to gain power supply. 

Technological Advancements

AI Integration: In coming years the railway plans to implement advanced traffic management systems and AI-powered predictive maintenance tools to improve operation frequency, and safety and reduce downtime.

Conclusion

In order to satisfy the expanding needs of the country’s transportation industry, Indian Railways keeps up with technological developments and modernisation. The Indian Railways is making notable progress in enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and safety with projects like the Kavach safety system, electrification targets, and the construction of high-speed train projects. The engineering prowess of the Indian Railways is further demonstrated by infrastructure projects like the Chenab and Anji Khad Bridges. Indian Railways’ dedication to improving connectivity and offering a better travel experiences is further evidenced by the ongoing expansion of the Vande Bharat Express and the launch of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. With the help of substantial investments, these advancements have the potential to make the railway network more dependable, and sustainable.

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