Indian Railways Announces Major Developments and Future Plans

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced transformative plans for Indian Railways, including the launch of 1,000 new trains and the introduction of bullet trains by 2027. With a focus on enhancing capacity and passenger services, the government aims to position Indian Railways as a global leader in rail exports. Significant investments and safety improvements have also been highlighted, showcasing a commitment to modernizing the railway infrastructure. Read on to learn more about these exciting developments and their implications for the future of rail travel in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2025, 16:12 IST

Significant Announcements by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled significant plans for the Indian Railways, emphasizing that the country's largest transportation network will undergo improvements in capacity, cost reduction, and enhanced passenger services. The Minister revealed that the government aims to launch 1,000 new trains over the next five years and initiate bullet train operations by 2027. He further stated that these changes are part of a long-term vision to position Indian Railways as a key global player in rail exports and to establish a backbone for cost-effective logistics within the country.

Railway Expansion and Investment

Vaishnaw highlighted that India has added 35,000 kilometers of railway tracks in the past 11 years, equivalent to the entire network of Germany. He noted that in just one year, the Indian Railways expanded its network by 5,300 kilometers. The annual production includes 30,000 wagons and 1,500 locomotives, surpassing the combined output of North America and Europe. Additionally, he mentioned that investment in the rail sector has surged from ₹25,000 crores to ₹2.52 lakh crores, which includes an extra ₹20,000 crores from public-private partnerships.

Bullet Train Project and Safety Improvements

Regarding the bullet train initiative, Vaishnaw stated that this major high-speed rail project is progressing with Japanese collaboration, with the first prototype expected to be operational by 2026 and commercial launch targeted for 2027. On the topic of passenger safety, he reported a significant reduction in derailments, dropping from 170 incidents annually to fewer than 30. Over the past decade, total rail accidents have decreased by 80%, attributed to daily safety reviews and enhancements in track, point, and signaling systems.