Indian Railways Achieves Major Milestones in Electrification and Passenger Services

Indian Railways has made remarkable strides in electrification, achieving 99.6% coverage of its broad gauge network and transporting 741 crore passengers in 2025-26. The total revenue reached Rs 80,000 crore, with freight movement hitting a record 1,670 million tonnes. The introduction of advanced systems like the Kavach Automatic Train Protection and Video Surveillance System enhances safety and operational efficiency. The Vande Bharat Sleeper service and Amrit Bharat Express are notable additions aimed at improving passenger experience. This article delves into the significant developments and future plans of Indian Railways.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 15, 2026, 16:17 IST

Significant Progress in Electrification and Operations

File photo of an electric train in India. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi, Apr 15: As of now, Indian Railways has successfully electrified 99.6% of its broad gauge network, operates around 25,000 trains daily, and transported 741 crore passengers during the fiscal year 2025–26, according to a recent announcement from the Centre.

In the same fiscal year, the total revenue reached nearly Rs 80,000 crore, while freight movement achieved a remarkable 1,670 million tonnes (MT), as stated in an official report.

Back in 2014, only about 20% of the railway network was electrified, which hampered operational efficiency and increased dependence on diesel. By March 2026, the electrification had expanded to 69,873 route kilometres (rkm), a significant increase from 21,801 rkm in 2014.

The electrification initiative led to a saving of approximately 180 crore litres of diesel in 2024–25, which in turn reduced crude oil imports and resulted in savings of around Rs 6,000 crore, as per government data.

Currently, India's electrification surpasses that of the UK (39%), Russia (52%), and China (82%).

The Kavach Automatic Train Protection System has been implemented over 3,100 route kilometres, with plans for an additional 24,400 kilometres in progress.

Furthermore, the Video Surveillance System (VSS) has been enhanced across 1,874 railway stations, utilizing AI-based analytics and facial recognition technology to bolster passenger safety and monitoring.

The Integrated Passenger Information System (IPIS), which is connected to the National Train Enquiry System (NTES), has been rolled out at 1,405 stations, ensuring timely announcements and improved communication with passengers.

According to the statement, "Track infrastructure has seen strategic enhancements over the last decade. A total of 54,600 kilometres of railway tracks were renewed from 2014 to 2026, enhancing reliability and operational performance."

The length of tracks capable of supporting speeds exceeding 110 kmph has increased from 31,445 km to over 85,000 km, facilitating faster and more efficient operations.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper service, which commenced in January 2026, has already transported 1.21 lakh passengers across 119 trips within its first three months of operation.

In FY 2025–26, approximately 3.98 crore passengers utilized the Vande Bharat Express network, indicating a significant rise in passenger engagement. Since its launch, the Vande Bharat Express has carried over 9.1 crore passengers through 1 lakh trips.

To cater to low- and middle-income families, Indian Railways has introduced the Amrit Bharat Express, which consists of fully non-AC modern trains aimed at enhancing comfort and safety while providing economical travel options.

As of March 18, 2026, 60 Amrit Bharat Express services are operational across the Indian Railways network.