Railway targets $7 trillion investment in track laying

Indian Railways is set to make a colossal investment of $7 trillion for the ambitious project of laying 50,000 km of new tracks to accommodate advanced and modern trains. The comprehensive plan also includes laying 100,000 km of new alignment, involving replacement, doubling, and gauge conversion works over the next 25 years, with an estimated cost ranging between ₹15-20 trillion before 2047. This strategic move is driven by the railway's recent success in enhancing efficiency and productivity. In the current fiscal year 2022-23, the railways have already laid 5,200 km of tracks, and the plan is to maintain and surpass this momentum over the next 8-10 years. The primary focus is on replacing worn-out tracks, ensuring a robust infrastructure capable of accommodating growing passenger traffic and facilitating the operation of modern technology trains.