Indian Railways set to become top global cargo network, accidents down by 90% under Modi govt: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said the financial condition of Indian Railways is stable and the department has overcome the post-COVID challenges. He also said Indian Railways is set to become one of the top three global railway networks in terms of cargo-carrying capacity, matching the US. Vaishnaw also apprised the Rajya Sabha that the number of railway accidents has come down by 90% during the tenure of PM Modi compared with the UPA regime.

“Overall, the financial condition is stable, and continuous efforts are being made to improve it further. The challenges posed by COVID-19 have now been overcome, and the railway has successfully emerged from that difficult phase,” Vaishnaw said in the Rajya Sabha.

Vaishnaw said the cargo capacity of Indian Railways now matches that of the US and is second only to China. “The railway has achieved several milestones, which is a matter of great pride for all of us. In FY 2024-25, Indian Railways is set to become one of the top three rail networks in the world in terms of cargo-carrying capacity, transporting 1.6 billion tonnes of freight—matching the US and second only to China,” Vaishnaw said.

Railway Finances

The minister said the size of the railway budget has grown significantly in the last couple of years. “Earlier, the budgetary support for railways was around ₹20,000–₹25,000 crore, whereas today, it has increased to ₹2.5 lakh crore. This significant boost has greatly benefited the sector, enabling us to achieve a much stronger position than before,” he said.

“The railways have almost recovered from the financial challenges caused by COVID. The revenue stands at approximately ₹2.78 lakh crore, while the expenses are around ₹2.75 lakh crore. Overall, the railways are able to meet their major expenses through their own income. The staff cost is around ₹1.16 lakh crore, the pension bill is approximately ₹66,000 crore, and energy costs stand at ₹32,000 crore. All these expenses are being met from the railways’ revenue itself,” Vaishnaw added.

Number of Accidents Down

Vaishnaw shared data in the House showcasing the significant decline in the number of railway accidents during the tenure of PM Modi compared with the UPA, when former railway ministers Lalu Yadav and Mamata Banerjee held the post for a significant period of time.

“In 2005-06, when Honourable Lalu Ji was the railway minister, there were 234 accidents. If we include derailments, the total reached 698—an average of two per day. During Honourable Mamata Ji’s tenure, there were 165 accidents, and with derailments included, the total was 395—an average of one per day. Under Honourable Kharge Ji’s tenure, the number of accidents was 118, and with derailments included, the total stood at 381—more than one per day,” Vaishnaw said.

“Where there was once an average of one accident per day, today the number has been reduced to just 30 accidents per year. Even if we include 43 derailments, the total stands at 73. This means that the number, which was previously around 700, has now dropped to less than 80—a remarkable 90% reduction,” he said.

“Overall, an investment of approximately ₹1,16,000 crore has been made in railway safety, combining both revenue and capital expenditures. This is several times higher than before and has been consistently maintained over the past two to three years,” Vaishnaw added.

Network Expansion

The minister pointed to significant strides made by the ministry in network infrastructure expansion. “Track construction has surpassed 34,000 km, which is more than the entire railway network of Germany. This marks a significant expansion and modernisation of India’s railway infrastructure. Fifty thousand kilometres of track have been replaced. During the replacement, special care was taken to use better quality and longer rails, which has had a very positive impact on safety,” said Vaishnaw.

“More than 12,000 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed. From a safety point of view, LHB coaches are much safer than the former ICF coaches. A total of 41,000 LHB coaches have been manufactured,” said Vaishnaw, adding that all Integral Coach Factory coaches will be replaced with LHB coaches in the third term of PM Modi.