Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Highlights Major Achievements and Future Plans for Indian Railways

  • Aug. 1, 2024, 11:37 p.m.

Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressed Parliament today on the Demands for Grants under the Ministry of Railways for the financial year 2024-25. His speech underscored significant achievements and future plans for Indian Railways, emphasizing safety improvements, electrification efforts, and the dedication of railway employees.

Praising Railway Employees

In his address, Shri Vaishnaw extended heartfelt appreciation to the nearly 1.2 million railway employees who ensure the smooth operation of nearly 20,000 trains daily. He described the Indian Railways as the country's lifeline and a crucial institution that supports the nation's economy. His acknowledgment of the employees' relentless efforts highlighted their vital role in maintaining the extensive rail network.

Enhancing Railway Safety

Shri Vaishnaw detailed the significant advancements in railway safety achieved over the past decade. He noted that over 26.5 million ultrasonic flaw detection tests have been conducted to identify and address potential issues. The introduction of new safety technologies has dramatically reduced rail fractures, with incidents decreasing from around 2,500 in 2013-14 to just 324 in 2024—an impressive 85% reduction.

Additionally, the implementation of electronic interlocking systems at railway stations has markedly improved safety. The number of stations equipped with this technology surged from 837 between 2004 and 2014 to 2,964 between 2014 and 2024, demonstrating a substantial enhancement in operational control.

Advancements in Railway Electrification

On the topic of railway electrification, Shri Vaishnaw highlighted the remarkable progress made in the past decade. The railways have electrified 44,000 kilometers of track over the last ten years, a significant increase compared to the 20,000 kilometers electrified in the preceding 50 years. This accelerated electrification has brought about considerable benefits, including an additional 600 million tonnes of cargo capacity, a reduction of 640 crore liters of diesel consumption, and a decrease of 400 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions—equivalent to the environmental impact of planting 16 crore trees.

Shri Vaishnaw’s address reflects the government's ongoing commitment to modernizing the Indian Railways, making it safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable. The progress in safety measures and electrification underscores a broader vision of transforming the railway sector into a model of modern transportation, contributing to both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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