New Delhi, January 8, 2025: Indian Railways is on track to meet its capital expenditure (capex) goals for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), having utilized Rs 1,92,446 crore, or 76% of the gross budgetary support allocated to it. This spending, which has occurred in the first nine months of the year, is directed toward enhancing the rail network, upgrading outdated assets, and modernizing infrastructure, all while ensuring the national transporter keeps up with its budgetary commitments. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday, the Railways has efficiently spent 76% of its allocated budget within the first nine months and four days of FY25. The total capital expenditure set for Railways in the FY25 budget is Rs 2,65,200 crore, with Rs 2,52,200 crore of this amount being gross budgetary support.
The investment made by Indian Railways has been significant, with Rs 40,367 crore dedicated to rolling stock in the first nine months, which constitutes 79% of the budgetary provision for the year. In terms of safety-related initiatives, out of an allocation of Rs 34,412 crore, Indian Railways has spent Rs 28,281 crore, which accounts for 82% of the allocated budget for safety measures. The Ministry of Railways emphasized the commitment of the Indian Railways in utilizing taxpayer funds to build a state-of-the-art railway infrastructure that will benefit future generations. This investment is part of the broader vision to develop a “Future-Ready” Indian Railways, contributing to the nation’s path towards becoming a developed country, or “Viksit Bharat.”
Official figures highlight that the consistent capital expenditure of the last decade has already shown tangible results. These include the introduction of 136 Vande Bharat trains, the near-total electrification of the broad gauge network (approximately 97%), and significant investments in the laying of new lines, gauge conversion, track doubling, and traffic facilities work. Additionally, Indian Railways has focused on strengthening its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and metropolitan transport systems.
The impact of these investments is already visible in the improved travel experience for millions of Indians. The modernization efforts have led to faster, safer, and world-class travel experiences at affordable costs, contributing to the nation’s goal of improving transportation infrastructure and supporting economic growth. Indian Railways continues to make steady progress on its modernization plans, ensuring that the transportation sector remains in line with the nation’s broader infrastructure goals, positioning it as an essential pillar in India’s growth story. The dedication to creating a “Future-Ready” railway system is an important step toward furthering the country’s ambitions for economic and infrastructural development.
The Impressive Times
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