Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Communications and Electronics & IT, laid out a roadmap for the future of Indian Railways, unveiling five upgrades set to redefine the country’s rail network.
In a media conclave, Vaishnaw was asked, “What are the headlines in Railways? What should we look forward to, and when is the future of Railways coming completely?” The minister responded with a bold vision, stating, “In the next five years, we are going to see completely transformed railways.”
Safety Standards
Vaishnaw vowed that railway safety has been a top priority over the last decade, with major improvements already visible. “It used to be over 170 rail accidents per year; now, it has reduced to 40 per year. In the coming years, it is set to get even better, so safety is going to be the paramount focus,” he said.
A New Generation of Trains
The minister announced a large-scale introduction of advanced trains, promising modernized travel experiences. “We will see a large-scale movement of Vande Bharat Trains, Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains, Amrit Bharat Trains, and Namo Bharat Trains in the coming years,” he stated.
The Greenest Railways
The Railway Minister asserted Indian Railways is set to become the world’s greenest railway network, stressing on the government’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly transportation.
Expansion of Bullet Train Corridors
Vaishnaw revealed that India’s high-speed rail ambitions are increasing, with new bullet train corridors planned across the country. He said, “In the coming years, we will see bullet train corridors coming up in many parts of the country”.
“After the success of the Western side, we will have one in the North, one in the South, and one in the East. This will introduce a totally new way of travelling”, the Union Minister told Arnab.
Next-Generation Locomotives & Global Expansion
The minister also spoke about India’s plans to become a major manufacturer and exporter of railway equipment. “We will also see a totally new generation of locomotives. India will become a major railway equipment manufacturer and exporter in the coming years—the way we have in electronics, technology, and defence equipment. The same transformation will happen in Railways as well,” he said.
First Hydrogen Train Set to Launch in May 2025
In a landmark announcement, Vaishnaw further revealed that India’s first hydrogen-powered train will be launched in May 2025. He said, “With 1,200 horsepower, this is going to be one of the most powerful hydrogen trains in the world,” he stated.
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