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Indian Railways on the Fast Track: From Neglect to Nation-Building Under Vaishnaw’s Vision

 

Introduction

For decades, the Indian Railways—often called the lifeline of the nation—struggled under the weight of neglect, outdated infrastructure, and sluggish reforms. However, in the past few years, this critical public transport system has witnessed a historic transformation under the leadership of the NDA government.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at the 41st Raising Day of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Valsad, Gujarat, highlighted how the Railways, once starved of investment and modernization, is now being completely reimagined with cutting-edge technology, enhanced infrastructure, and people-centric policies.

From electrifying thousands of kilometers of track to introducing the Namo Bharat trains and prioritizing passenger safety through the Kavach system, the Railways is undergoing nothing short of a revolution. The minister also made several key announcements, including annual recruitment drives for RPF personnel and modernization plans that align with India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

1. A Legacy of Neglect: The Forgotten Decades

For nearly five to six decades, the Indian Railways remained trapped in a cycle of underinvestment and bureaucratic inertia. Despite being one of the largest railway networks in the world, its infrastructure lagged behind global standards. Many railway tracks, stations, and signaling systems were outdated, resulting in frequent delays, accidents, and operational inefficiencies.

Ashwini Vaishnaw candidly acknowledged this historical neglect during his address, saying:

“For 50–60 years, the Railways remained neglected in the country. Today, it is undergoing a total transformation.”

This statement captures the stark reality—while India made significant strides in other sectors like information technology, space, and manufacturing, the Railways, which connects millions daily, struggled for attention.

The result was an outdated network with inadequate amenities for passengers and a system that was unable to keep up with the growing demands of a rapidly modernizing nation.

2. Laying the Foundation of a New Era

The turnaround began under the NDA government, which made infrastructure development a national priority. Over the last 11 years, the Railways has seen more progress than it did in the previous half-century. According to Vaishnaw, nearly 35,000 kilometers of new railway tracks have been laid—a feat unprecedented in India’s railway history.

This massive expansion has allowed more trains to operate on key routes, enhancing connectivity between cities and boosting economic activity in remote areas. For a country where rail transport remains the most affordable mode of travel for millions, this transformation directly impacts livelihoods and accessibility.

Furthermore, the expansion has supported economic decentralization, helping smaller towns and rural regions gain better access to markets, employment opportunities, and essential services.

3. Revamping India’s Railway Stations

A major component of this transformation is the redevelopment of railway stations. Vaishnaw revealed that 1,300 stations across the country are undergoing modernization as part of the government’s vision to make railway travel more comfortable, efficient, and passenger-friendly.

Out of these, 110 stations have already been inaugurated after the completion of redevelopment work. The revamped stations now feature modern amenities such as clean waiting areas, digital information boards, energy-efficient lighting, escalators, elevators, and better accessibility for differently-abled passengers.

The redevelopment drive is not merely cosmetic—it aims to bring Indian stations up to par with global standards. By integrating sustainability, technology, and design, these new-age stations will serve as urban mobility hubs rather than just transit points.

The government’s flagship Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is at the heart of this initiative, focusing on long-term improvements in passenger amenities, building design, and inter-modal connectivity.

4. Electrification: Powering the Future

Another major milestone that drew global attention is the electrification of 60,000 kilometers of railway tracks. This achievement has positioned India among the top countries in the world for railway electrification.

Vaishnaw proudly noted that even many prosperous nations have not been able to achieve this level of electrification in such a short span. The push toward complete electrification aligns with India’s broader goal of sustainable development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Electrified railways contribute to:

  • Lower operational costs due to reduced fuel consumption

  • Reduced carbon emissions, supporting India’s climate commitments

  • Higher speed and efficiency for passenger and freight trains

This eco-friendly initiative demonstrates how modernization can go hand-in-hand with sustainability, ensuring that the Indian Railways continues to serve as a green, efficient, and future-ready mode of transport.

5. The Rise of Namo Bharat and Modern Trains

The Indian Railways’ modernization is not limited to infrastructure; it extends to the trains themselves. Drawing from the success of the first two Namo Bharat services (also known as Regional Rapid Transit Systems – RRTS), Vaishnaw announced that mass production of Namo Bharat trains will soon begin.

These trains, designed with advanced safety features and high-speed capabilities, represent a new era in Indian train travel. They promise faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys—bridging the gap between conventional trains and metro systems.

In addition to Namo Bharat, the Railways is also inducting Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains, which are in high demand across the network. MEMUs are particularly useful for short-distance, high-frequency routes, catering to daily commuters and regional travelers.

6. Expanding Capacity: More Coaches, More Connectivity

To meet growing passenger demand, the Railways has ramped up coach production on a massive scale. According to Vaishnaw, approximately 3,500 general coaches have already been added to the existing fleet, while 7,000 more coaches are under production.

This expansion reflects the Railways’ focus on inclusivity—ensuring that travel remains accessible for low- and middle-income families. Despite the introduction of high-end trains, the government remains committed to maintaining affordable travel options for the common man.

By expanding coach capacity and improving frequency, Indian Railways aims to reduce overcrowding, enhance comfort, and make rail travel more reliable.

7. Safety First: The Kavach System

No modernization effort would be complete without prioritizing passenger safety. One of the most significant innovations in recent years is the Kavach System, India’s own Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology.

The Kavach system automatically applies brakes when it detects potential collisions or signal violations, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

Vaishnaw informed that 1,200 locomotives have already been equipped with this system, marking a major leap forward in India’s railway safety infrastructure.

Developed indigenously under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Kavach not only saves lives but also demonstrates India’s growing technological prowess in the railway sector.

8. Empowering the RPF: Recruitment and Modernization

The Railway Protection Force (RPF), responsible for ensuring passenger and railway property safety, is also being modernized. Vaishnaw made a landmark announcement that recruitment for RPF personnel will now occur annually, instead of once every four or five years.

This move will streamline the recruitment process, reduce waiting periods for aspiring candidates, and ensure that the force remains adequately staffed at all times.

The minister revealed that:

  • 452 sub-inspectors were recruited last year.

  • The recruitment process for 4,208 constables has been completed.

  • Going forward, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will conduct annual recruitment for constables, sub-inspectors, and inspectors.

This annual intake will improve cadre management, enhance training standards, and maintain a youthful, dynamic workforce within the force.

9. Equipping RPF with Modern Technology

To further strengthen the RPF, Vaishnaw announced that all officers and field personnel will soon receive Very High Frequency (VHF) walkie-talkie sets.

This upgrade will enhance communication between officers during operations and emergencies, ensuring faster response times and improved coordination.

“I assure you that the chairman of the Railway Board will soon approve this, and once approved, you can purchase as many VHF sets as needed,” Vaishnaw said, responding to a request from the RPF Director General.

By introducing such modern communication tools, the government is ensuring that the RPF keeps pace with modern security challenges, from crowd control to crime prevention and disaster response.

10. Building a People-Centric Railway System

Beyond modernization and technology, what truly defines the new face of Indian Railways is its people-first approach. From affordable general coaches to safety systems like Kavach, and from upgraded stations to better recruitment policies, every reform aims to serve the people more effectively.

The focus is not only on urban passengers but also on rural and low-income travelers, who continue to depend on the Railways for their daily commute, business, and family travel needs.

This transformation reflects a vision of inclusive growth—where modernization doesn’t come at the cost of affordability.

11. The Road Ahead: A Vision for 2047

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Indian Railways is positioning itself as a key driver in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Upcoming priorities include:

  • Complete electrification of all railway routes

  • Introduction of hydrogen-powered and semi-high-speed trains

  • Enhanced safety protocols through AI-based monitoring

  • Green initiatives like solar-powered stations and bio-toilets

These steps underline the Railways’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and world-class service delivery.

Conclusion: From Neglect to National Pride

From a neglected sector to a symbol of national progress, the Indian Railways has come a long way. The transformation unfolding under Ashwini Vaishnaw’s leadership represents not just modernization, but a renewed sense of purpose—to serve every Indian with reliability, safety, and pride.

With thousands of kilometers of new tracks, state-of-the-art stations, electrified routes, and advanced safety systems, the Railways is not just moving people—it’s driving India’s development story.

The journey of the Indian Railways is far from over, but one thing is clear: it is now firmly on the right track toward a brighter, more connected, and technologically advanced future.