Indian Railways has made significant advances in track modernisation and safety over the past eleven years, driven by sustained investment and focused execution. The ongoing upgrades have resulted in safer, faster and more reliable train operations across large parts of the national rail network.
During the financial year 2024–25, track renewal work covering 6,851 kilometres was completed. In the current financial year 2025–26, more than 7,500 kilometres of track renewal is already underway. Looking ahead, renewal of an additional 7,900 kilometres is planned for 2026–27, underlining a continued emphasis on asset reliability and long term safety.
Indian Railways has also achieved notable progress in turnout renewal, a critical component for smooth and safe train movement. In 2024–25, 7,161 Thick Web Switches and 1,704 Weldable CMS Crossings were installed. This momentum has carried into 2025–26, with over 8,000 Thick Web Switches and more than 3,000 Weldable CMS Crossings being provided during the year.
Mechanised deep screening of ballast, which plays a vital role in maintaining track stability and ride quality, has been undertaken on a large scale. In 2024–25, deep screening was completed on 7,442 kilometres of track. In 2025–26, work covering more than 7,500 kilometres is in progress, ensuring consistent upkeep of track geometry and strength.
To support mechanised maintenance and improve productivity, the railways have substantially expanded their track machine fleet. More than 1,100 track machines have been procured since 2014, enabling faster, more efficient and technology driven maintenance across the network.
Safety fencing along railway tracks has been taken up as a priority to reduce cattle run over incidents and prevent trespassing. Around 15,000 kilometres of fencing have been installed so far, significantly improving safety, particularly on sections where trains operate at speeds exceeding 110 kilometres per hour.
These sustained initiatives have led to a major transformation in track capability. The length of railway tracks permitting speeds of 110 kilometres per hour and above has increased from 31,445 kilometres in 2014, representing about 40 percent of the network, to 84,244 kilometres at present, covering nearly 80 percent of the national rail network. This expansion has enabled higher operating speeds, improved punctuality and enhanced passenger and freight movement efficiency.
