Indian Railways Achieves 76 Per Cent Budget Utilisation In First Nine Months Of FY25 With Focus On Safety, Modernisation

Indian Railways has made significant strides in modernising its infrastructure and operations, spending 76 per cent of its budgetary outlay for the current fiscal year within the first nine months and four days.

According to the latest expenditure report, as of 5 January 2025, the Railways is heavily investing in capacity augmentation and safety improvements to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Significant Investments in Key Areas

For the fiscal year 2024-25, Indian Railways was allocated a total capital expenditure (Capex) of Rs 2,65,200 crore in the budge estimate, supported by gross budgetary support of Rs 2,52,200 crore.

As of 5 January, Rs 1,92,446 crore has already been spent.

Key areas of investment include:

• Rolling Stock: Out of the Rs 50,903 crore allocated, Rs 40,367 crore (79 per cent) has been spent to upgrade trains and enhance the passenger experience.

• Safety Works: Rs 28,281 crore, or 82 per cent of the Rs 34,412 crore budget, has been directed toward ensuring safer operations.

"The fruits for consistent Capital Expenditure (Capex) for the last one decade are visible in the form of 136 Vande Bharat trains, about 97 percent electrification of broad gauge, laying of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling of track, traffic facilities work, investment in PSUs & metropolitan transport," the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the upcoming Vande Bharat sleeper trains, currently undergoing speed testing and safety certifications, are poised to redefine long-distance rail travel in India.

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