Indian Railways has completed a massive overhaul of its network by renewing approximately 55,000 kilometers of tracks over the last decade. According to a report from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released on April 23, 2026, this modernization effort aims to make train journeys faster and significantly safer for passengers across the country.
👉: Railway safety boost: Indian Railways to replace century-old track maintenance technology।
How has the track modernization improved speed and safety?
The upgrade has led to a major shift in how trains operate on the network. About 80 percent of the railway network can now handle speeds of 110 kmph or more, compared to only 40 percent in 2014. To ensure safety, 17,500 km of security fencing has been installed on high-speed sections. Additionally, the use of Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) technology has helped identify hidden cracks in rails and welds.
What are the key technical upgrades in the railway network?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Track Renewal | 55,000 km renovated in the last decade |
| Heavy Rails | 60-kg rails used on over 80,000 km track |
| Rail Panels | 44,000 km installed for smoother rides |
| Maintenance Machines | Increased from 748 (2014) to 1,785 (2026) |
| Accident Reduction | 90% drop in track and welding failure incidents |
| Kavach System | Deployed on 654 km by September 2025 |
What are the future plans for track renewal?
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the focus remains on mechanized maintenance to reduce the physical burden on track staff. For the current financial year 2025-26, work is underway to renew over 7,500 km of tracks. The ministry has further planned to renew 7,900 km of tracks in the 2026-27 period to maintain the reliability of the network.