New Delhi’s special correspondent reports that the Railway Board is crafting an action plan inspired by the vision of a ‘Developed India, Developed Rail’ to elevate the Indian Railways to a global standing. This ambitious blueprint aims to operationalize 4,500 high-speed and semi-high-speed trains, including the Vande Bharat Express, by 2047. Furthermore, to enhance passenger experience, over 1,400 railway stations will undergo redevelopment.
Officials have disclosed that the Indian Railways Action Plan 2047 focuses on increasing train speeds, improving safety, and augmenting amenities. The introduction of sleeper services in the Vande Bharat Express is expected by next month, with plans to progressively increase the operating speeds of these trains to 160-320 km/h.
A staggering provision of 12 lakh crore rupees has been set aside for the upgradation of railway tracks along the country’s trunk routes (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) to facilitate the running of high-speed and semi-high-speed trains. This endeavor aims to declutter these trunk routes and modernize over 1,400 railway stations.
In addition, collision avoidance technology ‘Kavach’ is being installed on the country’s two major railway corridors, Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata, with plans to extend this technology to other key routes. The financial year 2024-25 will witness the launch of 50 Amrit Bharat Trains, boosting the railway’s capacity to transport 1000 crore passengers annually.
Airports-like Development for Railway Stations: Officials have outlined plans to redevelop 1,400 railway stations on the model of airports, ensuring world-class passenger amenities and cleanliness. The Indian Railways is also working towards increasing its freight traffic share to 45% by 2047. Currently, 71% of freight transportation is conducted via road, and 29% through rail, indicating a significant shift towards enhancing rail freight capabilities.
This strategic plan underlines the Railway Board’s commitment to transforming the Indian Railways into a world-class transport network, aiming for significant advancements in speed, safety, and passenger services by 2047.
Here’s a summary table of the key initiatives from the Indian Railways’ transformational journey towards achieving global standards by 2047:
| Key Initiatives | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation of 4,500 High-Speed and Semi-High-Speed Trains | By 2047, including the Vande Bharat Express. |
| Redevelopment of Over 1,400 Railway Stations | To provide excellent passenger amenities. |
| Introduction of Sleeper Services in Vande Bharat Express | Expected to start by next month. |
| Speed Enhancement of Vande Bharat Trains to 160-320 km/h | For phased implementation across the network. |
| 12 Lakh Crore Rupees Provision for Upgradation | For track upgradation on trunk routes (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai). |
| Installation of Collision Avoidance Technology ‘Kavach’ | On Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata, with plans to extend further. |
| Launch of 50 Amrit Bharat Trains in 2024-25 | Enhancing the capacity to transport 1000 crore passengers annually. |
| Railway’s Freight Traffic Share Increase to 45% by 2047 | Aiming to reduce reliance on road transport, which currently stands at 71% for freight. |