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Indian Railways Set to Invest ₹1 Lakh Crore in New Trains to Meet Growing Demand

*NEW DELHI* — In a strategic move to address the escalating demand for passenger travel, the Indian Railways has announced plans to invest ₹1 lakh crore in procuring new trains over the next few years. With 70% of its ₹22.4 lakh crore capital budget for the fiscal year 2024 already allocated, the national transporter is gearing up for a major overhaul of its rolling stock to enhance efficiency and capacity.

The ambitious plan aims to replace ageing trains with 7,000-8,000 new train sets, and tenders for these state-of-the-art units are expected to be floated within the next 4-5 years. This significant investment aligns with the broader vision of modernizing key components of the railway ecosystem, including trains, tracks, safety technology, and stations.

The capital budget, a substantial portion of which has already been earmarked, is dedicated to a comprehensive facelift of Indian Railways. The envisioned improvements encompass not only the introduction of new trains but also the upgrade of vital infrastructure. This includes modernizing tracks, implementing cutting-edge safety technology, and enhancing the overall passenger experience at railway stations.

Crucially, the ongoing development of the 1,337-kilometer Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and the substantial progress on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, covering almost 80% of its length, is set to unlock additional tracks. This will facilitate faster movement of both passengers and goods, further optimizing the railway network.

The proposed procurement of new trains will not only be a boost to the country's rail capacity but will also come with maintenance contracts. Additionally, the conditions for these procurement orders will mandate that the trains be manufactured in India, leveraging the existing railway infrastructure. This move aligns with the government's emphasis on promoting indigenous manufacturing and self-reliance in various sectors.

As the Indian Railways steers towards a transformative phase, these strategic investments are expected to not only meet the rising demand for passenger travel but also enhance the overall efficiency and safety of the railway network, contributing to the country's economic growth.