Railway Infrastructural development at record high

The Indian Railways is among the world’s largest rail networks. It believes in developing tomorrow’s convenience today and has taken long strides to achieve this goal in the year 2016-17. With regard to creation of infrastructure, in the able leadership of Minister of Railways Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Indian Railways has set a record, which is the highest ever progress achieved in a single year 2016-17.

According to a Western Railway’s press release, Indian Railways has drawn out a comprehensive action plan for infrastructural works related to new lines, doubling projects etc. During the year, 2855 kms of new lines, gauge conversion and double lines have been commissioned which is the highest ever achieved in a year. Out of the 2855 kms, 953 kms is construction of new lines which has been commissioned in 2016-17 which is also the highest ever. Better connectivity to the North Eastern States is of great importance for our country.

The entire meter gauge has been converted to broad gauge in the North East region of the country. To accelerate the infrastructure development, Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu diagnosed the problem on Indian Railways and broke the vicious cycle of under investment and considerably increased the capex on Indian Railways. In year 2016-17 the development & capital expenditure was increased to 1.21 lakh crore and further in year 2017-18 it has been pegged to 1.31 lakh crore. For carrying out socially desirable projects, Joint Ventures are being formed with State to generate investment for such projects and fast track the development.

Electrical traction besides being economical is environment friendly. The target for 2016-17 was to electrify 2000 kms, which has been surpassed, as 2013 kms of electrification has been completed which is the highest ever achieved by Indian Railways.

Safety undoubtedly continues to remain the top priority on Indian Railways and all efforts are made in this direction. During the year 1503 unmanned level crossings and 484 manned level crossings have been eliminated. Work of 1306 Road over Bridges and Subways have been completed and 750 bridges rehabilitated which is all the highest ever in the history of Indian Railways.

In view to expand the freight business, 45 freight terminals have been commissioned as against the average of 27. Indian Railways has set a record by manufacturing 658 locomotives as against 621 manufactured in the previous year i.e. 2015-16. 4280 passenger coaches were manufactured as against 3978 manufactured in the year i.e. 2015-16 which is the highest ever manufacturing passenger coaches.