Following the release of the 2025 Budget, Indian Railways announced plans to build 100 Amrit Bharat, 50 Namo Bharat, and 200 Vande Bharat Express with sleeper and chair car variations over the next two to three years. These new trains are expected to significantly improve connectivity across the nation.
To further enhance rail connectivity, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed plans to construct 17,500 non-AC general and sleeper coaches. This move aims to improve the travel experience for low-income passengers and alleviate the growing strain on the country’s railway infrastructure.
Vaishnaw also emphasized that the railways would maintain a 2:3 ratio for non-AC trains and a 1:3 ratio for AC coaches. A special production initiative has been launched to increase the availability of general coaches nationwide.
Accelerating the Construction of New Rail Lines, Flyovers, and Underpasses
The government’s commitment to modernizing Indian Railways is reflected in the 2025–2026 Budget, which allocates Rs 2.52 lakh crore for various rail projects. Vaishnaw highlighted new initiatives that are set to be completed in the next four to five years, amounting to Rs 4.6 lakh crore. These projects include the construction of flyovers and underpasses, station renovations, and the laying of new railway lines.
Vaishnaw also confirmed that the production of general coaches is already underway, with 1,400 coaches expected to be completed by March 31. The target for FY 2025–2026 is to produce 2,000 new general coaches. Additionally, the construction of 1,000 new flyovers has been approved.
Full Electrification of Indian Railways by the End of This Fiscal Year
In a significant move, Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways will be fully electrified by the end of the current fiscal year. This initiative aligns with the government’s larger vision of making railways more sustainable and efficient.
With an increase in funding for rail safety from Rs 1.08 lakh crore to Rs 1.14 lakh crore, and another increase to Rs 1.16 lakh crore in the upcoming fiscal year, the government is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers.
By March 31, Indian Railways will achieve a significant milestone, becoming the second-largest cargo-carrying railway system in the world, after China, with a capacity of 1.6 billion tons.