The Railway Ministry announced that 76% of its budget allocation has been spent within the first nine months of the current fiscal year. A recent expenditure report, dated Jan. 5, 2025, highlighted significant investments in capacity expansion, aimed at transforming rail travel into a world-class experience in India.
For the 2024-25 budget estimate, the total capital expenditure for railways is Rs 2,65,200 crore, with a gross budgetary support of Rs 2,52,200 crore. Of this, Rs 1,92,446 crore has already been utilised.
For rolling stock, the allocated budget was Rs 50,903 crore, and by Jan. 5, Rs 40,367 crore (79%) had been spent. In safety-related works, the allocation was Rs 34,412 crore, with Rs 28,281 crore (82%) already spent.
The ministry emphasised that the government is focused on transforming Railways into a world-class service, which currently transports an average of 2.3 crore passengers daily while maintaining affordability.
It said the fruit of the consistent capital expenditure for the last decade is visible in the form of 136 Vande Bharat trains, about 97% electrification of broad gauge, laying of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling of tracks, traffic facilities work, investment in PSUs, and metropolitan transport.
It also mentioned the ongoing safety and speed trial of Vande Bharat sleeper trains and said rail commuters are all set to experience world-class travel very soon for long-distance journeys too.
"This will revolutionise the overall travel experience. This transformation of Indian Railways would not have been possible without the visionary foresight of Viksit Bharat & its prompt execution by spending in the modernisation projects in a mission mode by Indian Railways," the press note said.
It added, "Despite challenges like India being the most populous nation with its vast geographical, cultural, & linguistic diversity, Indian Railways is implementing a vision of transformative governance to build a new, modern & connected India."
(With inputs from PTI.)
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