Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition 2025 with Theme ‘Future-Ready Railways’

New Delhi –Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the 16th International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event, Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest railway exhibition, is being held under the theme “Future-Ready Railways.”

Vaishnaw announced plans to develop around 7,000 km of dedicated passenger corridors across India by 2047 as part of the government’s Viksit Bharat vision. These corridors will be designed for speeds up to 350 kmph, with an operating speed of 320 kmph, supported by indigenous signalling systems and modern Operations Control Centres.

Highlighting the success of Vande Bharat trains, Vaishnaw said that India has reached global standards in train technology. The latest version, Vande Bharat 3.0, accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 52 seconds—faster than many Japanese and European trains—while maintaining lower noise and vibration levels. The next version, Vande Bharat 4.0, set to launch within 18 months, will introduce major improvements in passenger comfort, including enhanced toilets, upgraded seats, and refined interior design. The goal is to make it a global benchmark in rail travel.

He also discussed the Amrit Bharat series, noting that version 2.0 is operational and version 3.0, based on push-pull technology, is under development for long-distance routes. The upcoming Amrit Bharat 4.0 will feature next-generation trainsets and locomotives, expected to be ready for testing within 36 months.

Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s sustained efforts in railway modernization over the past decade. More than 35,000 km of new tracks have been laid, and 46,000 km have been electrified. Indian Railways is also emerging as a major global exporter, with locomotives being supplied to countries in Africa, Australia, and beyond.

Currently, 156 Vande Bharat services, 30 Amrit Bharat services, and 4 Namo Bharat services operate across India. In 2024–25 alone, Indian Railways achieved record production of over 7,000 coaches, 42,000 wagons, and 1,681 locomotives, including the introduction of the first 9,000 HP electric locomotive.

Vaishnaw noted that Indian Railways now serves over 20 million passengers daily and has become the world’s second-largest freight network, surpassing the United States. He highlighted major infrastructure milestones such as the Chenab Bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower; the Pamban Sea Bridge, India’s first vertical lift bridge; and the Bairabi-Sairang Bridge, taller than Qutub Minar.

To strengthen safety and innovation, the government has allocated ₹1.16 lakh crore for the current financial year, including investments in the indigenous KAVACH safety system.

The exhibition, organized from 15 to 17 October 2025, features more than 450 exhibitors from 15 countries, showcasing cutting-edge rail and metro technologies, innovations, and sustainable solutions.