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Indian Railways Doubles High-Speed Tracks, Boosts Safety in 11-Year Overhaul

Indian Railways has more than doubled the length of its high-speed tracks, from 31,445 km to 84,244 km, over the last eleven years. This expansion means 80% of the network now permits speeds of 110 kmph and above, enabling faster and more efficient operations. The ministry is undertaking extensive track renewal, safety fencing, and mechanized maintenance to enhance reliability and safety. Substantial investments in turnout renewal and a growing fleet of track machines support these ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Key Points: Indian Railways Doubles High-Speed Track Network to 80%

  • Track length for 110+ kmph more than doubled since 2014
  • Major track renewal plans for next two financial years
  • Over 15,000 km of safety fencing installed
  • Fleet of track machines expanded by over 1,100 since 2014
2 min read

High-speed tracks of Indian Railways doubled from 40 pc to 80 pc in last 11 years: Govt

Indian Railways has doubled its high-speed track length from 40% to 80% of the network since 2014, enhancing speed, safety, and reliability.

"The high-speed tracks have jumped from 40 per cent of the total network to 80 per cent at present - Ministry of Railways"

New Delhi, Jan 18

The length of tracks permitting speeds of 110 kmph and above on the Indian Railways network has more than doubled from 31,445 kilometres in 2014 to 84,244 kilometres in the last 11 years. In percentage terms, the high-speed tracks have jumped from 40 per cent of the total network to 80 per cent at present, enabling faster and more efficient train operations, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Railways on Sunday.

Indian Railways has recorded significant progress in strengthening its track infrastructure and enhancing safety standards through sustained investment and focused execution over the last 11 years. These efforts have contributed to safer, faster and more reliable train operations across the country, the Ministry said.

During the financial year 2024-25, Indian Railways carried out track renewal over 6,851 track kilometres. In the current financial year 2025-26, more than 7,500 kilometres of track renewal work are underway. Further, track renewal covering 7,900 kilometres is planned for 2026-27, reflecting continued emphasis on asset reliability and safety, the statement observed.

Safety fencing along railway tracks has also been taken up on priority to minimise cattle run-over incidents and trespassing, thereby enhancing overall safety. About 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been provided so far, leading to improved safety on sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kmph, the Ministry said.

Substantial progress has been made in turnout renewal as well, which is crucial for smooth train movement. In 2024-25, 7,161 thick web switches and 1,704 weldable CMS (Cast Manganese Steel) crossings were provided. In 2025-26, over 8,000 thick web switches and more than 3,000 weldable CMS crossings are being provided.

Mechanised deep screening of ballast, essential for maintaining track stability and improving ride quality, has been carried out consistently. During 2024-25, 7,442 track kilometres of deep screening were completed, while over 7,500 track kilometres of deep screening work are being undertaken in 2025-26, the statement explained.

To support mechanised maintenance and improve productivity, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its track machine fleet. More than 1,100 track machines have been procured since 2014, enabling faster and more efficient maintenance of the railway network, the statement added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good to see the numbers, but as a regular traveler, I haven't felt a dramatic increase in average speeds on my usual routes. The track might allow 110 kmph, but are the trains actually running that fast? More transparency on actual schedule improvements would be helpful.
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Arjun K
Investing in track renewal and machines is the right way. A strong foundation is key. Now we need to see similar focus on station modernization, cleaner coaches, and better food services. The journey experience matters too! Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As someone who travels between Delhi and Mumbai often, the reduction in travel time over the years is noticeable. The ride is smoother. The mechanized maintenance stats are impressive. Hope this continues and covers more routes.
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Vikram M
Safety fencing is a very welcome step. In rural areas, cattle on tracks is a major issue causing delays and heartbreak. If this has been done on 15,000 km, it's a good start. Hope they cover all high-speed sections soon.
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Karthik V
The numbers look great on paper. But what about the quality of work? We often hear about new tracks or renewals, then within months there are speed restrictions due to maintenance issues. Accountability and quality checks are as important as the length of track renewed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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