As the curtains draw on 2025, Indian Railways stands at a defining moment in its long journey of transformation. Guided by the vision of Focused Efforts, Innovation & Indigenisation, the national transporter has made remarkable progress this year toward becoming a world-class rail network while keeping the common man firmly at the centre of its initiatives.
The year 2025 has laid a strong foundation for safer, faster and more comfortable rail travel, setting the stage for an even more memorable passenger experience in 2026.
A major highlight of the year has been the expansion of modern train services that balance speed, comfort and affordability. The Vande Bharat Express continued to symbolise India’s leap in semi-high-speed rail, with 164 services running across the network as of 26 December 2025, including 15 new introductions during the year. Looking ahead, the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper is set to redefine long-distance overnight travel by combining speed with world-class amenities, significantly reducing journey times on busy routes and eventually across the country.
Equally transformative has been the success of Amrit Bharat trains, which have extended the luxury of modern travel to non-AC passengers. These fully non-AC trains, comprising Sleeper and General Class coaches, offer enhanced comfort at affordable cost. During 2025, 13 new Amrit Bharat Express trains were introduced, taking the total to 30 services nationwide. Complementing these were the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services, designed to strengthen high-frequency regional connectivity, with operations launched on the Bhuj–Ahmedabad and Jaynagar–Patna corridors.
Special train services:
In 2025, Special train operations were significantly scaled up to cater to seasonal rush, highlighting enhanced planning and a stronger focus on passenger comfort.
● Indian Railway operated a record number of over 43,000 special train trips during the year 2025.
● To cater to festive and summer rush, 17,340 Special Train Trips for Maha Kumbh, 1,144 for Holi, 12,417 Summer Specials, and 12,383 for Chhath Puja were operated in 2025.
Infrastructure
Beyond trains, Indian Railways made decisive strides in strengthening core infrastructure. Between April and November 2025, over 900 km of new track was commissioned, while large-scale renewal ensured safer and smoother journeys. During the year, 6,880 track km of rails were renewed, complete track renewal was carried out over 7,051 km, and over 9,200 turnout renewals were completed. Since 2014, Indian Railways has laid more than 34,000 km of new tracks—more than double the pace of the previous decade—reflecting sustained momentum in capacity building.
Modernisation of track machinery supported this expansion, with new high-output machines inducted and existing systems upgraded to improve efficiency and reduce manpower dependence. Sectional speeds were raised to 130 kmph over nearly 600 km and to 110 kmph over more than 4,000 km, translating directly into faster and more reliable train operations.
Electrification remained a standout achievement. With 99.2% of the broad-gauge network electrified, Indian Railways now surpasses many major rail systems globally. Fourteen railway zones and 25 states and union territories have achieved 100% electrification, reinforcing Railways’ commitment to sustainability and green operations.
Safety improvements
Safety improvements continued through the accelerated construction of Road Over Bridges and Road Under Bridges. In 2025, 1,161 ROBs and RUBs were completed, alongside the elimination of manned level crossings and rehabilitation of nearly 1,800 bridges. These efforts significantly enhance safety for both rail and road users.
Rolling stock modernisation also gathered pace. In FY 2025-26 (up to November), more than 4,200 LHB coaches were produced—an 18% increase over last year. Over the past 11 years, Indian Railways has manufactured more than 42,600 LHB coaches, strengthening passenger safety, comfort and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Landmark engineering projects
Landmark engineering projects defined 2025 as a year of historic milestones. The completion of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link brought all-weather rail connectivity to Kashmir, featuring iconic structures such as the world’s highest Chenab railway bridge. In the Northeast, the Bairabi–Sairang line placed Aizawl on India’s rail map for the first time. The inauguration of the New Pamban Bridge—India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge—blended heritage with cutting-edge design, restoring a vital link to Rameswaram. Meanwhile, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project crossed key construction milestones, with over 55% physical progress achieved.
Passenger experience saw a visible upgrade through the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. With 1,337 stations identified and 155 already fully redeveloped by December 2025, stations are being transformed into modern, city-centric hubs offering airport-like amenities, improved accessibility, local products and seamless multimodal integration.
2025 has been a year of consolidation and confidence for Indian Railways. With modern trains, redeveloped stations, enhanced safety systems, robust freight growth and sustainable practices, Railways is not just moving people and goods—it is driving national growth. As India advances toward its goal of becoming a developed nation, Indian Railways enters 2026 poised to deliver faster, safer and more comfortable journeys, firmly rooted in innovation, indigenisation and service to its people.
