Indian Railways has made substantial progress in upgrading its track infrastructure, with nearly 80 per cent of the national rail network now capable of supporting train speeds of 110 kmph and above. This expansion follows more than a decade of sustained investment focused on modernisation, safety, and operational efficiency.
According to data from the Ministry of Railways, the length of high-speed-capable tracks has grown sharply from 31,445 km in 2014, which represented around 40 per cent of the network at the time, to approximately 84,244 km today. This widespread upgrade has enabled faster, smoother, and more dependable train operations across much of the country.
Track renewal has remained a cornerstone of this transformation. During the 2024–25 financial year, renewal work was completed across 6,851 track kilometres. In the ongoing 2025–26 financial year, renewal activity exceeding 7,500 track kilometres is currently underway. Looking ahead, Indian Railways has planned renewal of about 7,900 track kilometres in 2026–27, signalling a continued acceleration in infrastructure upkeep.
Modernisation efforts have also extended to turnout systems, which are vital for safe and seamless train movement at higher speeds. In 2024–25, the railways installed 7,161 Thick Web Switches along with 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings. The pace has increased further in 2025–26, with more than 8,000 Thick Web Switches and over 3,000 Weldable CMS Crossings being deployed across the network.
Ballast maintenance through mechanised deep screening has been carried out on a large scale to enhance track stability and improve ride quality. During 2024–25, deep screening was completed over 7,442 track kilometres, while more than 7,500 track kilometres of similar work is ongoing in the current financial year.
To support mechanised maintenance and boost productivity, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its fleet of track machines. Since 2014, over 1,100 track machines have been inducted, allowing faster and more efficient upkeep of critical track assets.
Safety enhancements have also been prioritised, particularly on high-speed sections. Around 15,000 km of fencing has been installed to prevent cattle intrusion and unauthorised access, reducing the risk of accidents on routes where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph.
The Ministry of Railways stated that these sustained infrastructure upgrades underscore a long-term commitment to asset reliability, safety, and operational performance. Together, these measures form the foundation of Indian Railways’ broader modernisation strategy, aimed at supporting higher speeds and increased traffic volumes on the existing network.
