Animals will no longer be run over on the tracks; the railways have installed a 15,000 km safety barrier, and train speeds will not be reduced..

Fencing and safety have become the biggest story of the transformation of Indian Railways' track network over the past 11 years. According to the latest government data, the Railways has installed safety fencing along approximately 15,000 kilometers of tracks across the country. The clear purpose is to prevent cattle collisions, unauthorized entry, and accidents. Especially on routes where trains travel at speeds exceeding 110 kilometers per hour, this fencing is becoming a strong wall for passenger safety.

The Railway Ministry states that in the era of high-speed trains, strengthening the tracks was not enough; it was also essential to ensure a safe environment around the tracks. This is why fencing was given priority. As a result, incidents of cattle runovers and trespassing have been clearly reduced in many sections. This move is considered a major change in Indian Railways' safety policy.

Speed ​​Also Increased

Along with fencing, the Railways have also increased the speed and capacity of the track network to historic levels. In 2014, the length of track permitted to operate at speeds of 110 km/h and above was 31,445 km, which has now increased to 84,244 km. In percentage terms, this coverage has increased from 40% to 80%. This means that a large part of the country is now ready for faster and more efficient train operations. Track renewal has also been a constant focus. In fiscal year 2024-25, 6,851 km of track was renewed. Work is underway to renew over 7,500 km of track in the current fiscal year 2025-26. Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade 7,900 km of track in fiscal year 2026-27. This is ensuring network resilience and long-term safety.

Smooth Train Operations with Switches and Crossings
Significant improvements have also been made to the switch and crossing systems to facilitate smooth train movement. In FY 2024-25, 7,161 thick web switches and 1,704 weldable CMS crossings were installed. In the current fiscal year 2025-26, work is underway to install over 8,000 thick web switches and over 3,000 weldable CMS crossings. This has increased track stability and operational reliability.

Deep Screening and Strong Tracks with Modern Machines
Emphasis has also been placed on ballast deep screening for track stability and improved ride quality. In FY 2024-25, 7,442 kilometers of track were deep screened. Over 7,500 kilometers of deep screening is underway in the current fiscal year. Furthermore, since 2014, over 1,100 modern track machines have been added, enabling faster and more accurate maintenance. This transformation of Indian Railways is no longer just a story of speed; it is a new network built on a strong foundation of safety. In the coming years, as more tracks achieve high-speed capability, passengers will be assured of faster and safer rail travel.

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