Ashwini vaishnaw highlights railways' key role in Indian economy

New Delhi: In a recent speech to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the crucial role of Indian Railways in the nation's economy and called for the sector to be depoliticized. He underscored the importance of affordable services for the middle class and the aspirational middle class, announcing plans to produce 2,500 additional general coaches soon, with a future goal of 10,000 more.

Vaishnaw also introduced the "Amrit Bharat" initiative, aimed at creating an affordable and efficient railway system. As part of this initiative, 50 additional Amrit Bharat trains will be produced, featuring 13 new improvements. He highlighted the growing demand for Vande Bharat trains and expressed confidence in India's engineers to produce these trains independently, without foreign assistance.

Safety and technology enhancements were key points in Vaishnaw's address. He praised efforts to improve passenger safety and eliminate unmanned railway crossings through the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs), gates, and underpasses. The adoption of electronic interlocking systems has increased significantly, covering 2,964 stations from 2014 to 2024. The Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, specifically KAVACH, has also seen substantial development and deployment.

Infrastructure and recruitment improvements were also discussed. Rail fractures have been reduced by 85%, and the production of LHB coaches has increased under the NDA government. Safety-related expenditure has surged, with ₹1,08,795 crore allocated for the current budget.

Vaishnaw also addressed improvements in working conditions for loco pilots and noted significant increases in regional allocations for Kerala and Tamil Nadu compared to the UPA era. Railway electrification has seen a remarkable boost, with 44,000 km electrified in the past decade. This electrification has resulted in benefits such as 600 million tonnes of additional cargo, saving 640 crore liters of diesel, and reducing CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 16 crore trees.

In conclusion, Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and commitment to the safety and efficiency of Indian Railways. He called for collaborative efforts to achieve these goals and highlighted the need for ongoing enhancements to ensure the railways' vital role in India's economic growth.